by El Reportero staff and Ed Source reports
After Donald Trump’s electoral victory, education leaders in California have intensified their efforts to reassure vulnerable students, particularly those from immigrant, personal identity, Black, and Latino communities, who fear the return of restrictive policies similar to those from his first term.
Alejandra López, a political science student at Cal Poly Pomona, reflected the fear of many: “I was really upset… I never thought I’d see a second term,” she said, considering the deportation threats her parents, undocumented immigrants from Mexico, face.
Amid this uncertainty, state leaders assure that students’ rights remain protected in California. Xilonin Cruz-González, deputy director of Californians Together, emphasized that there are legal protections for immigrants, such as Assembly Bill 699 of 2017, which defends immigrant students against discrimination and limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Moreover, the historic 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe guarantees all children, regardless of their immigration status, access to public education. State Attorney General Rob Bonta pledged to defend these rights through litigation if necessary, preparing for any reduction in protections under a second Trump term.
Concerns have also been raised about students with disabilities and those whose personal identity experiences do not fit traditional norms. Megan Stanton-Trehan, a lawyer for Disability Rights California, warned that while state protections remain in place, the impact of federal changes will affect local communities. “It is more important than ever to focus on the needs of these students,” she emphasized.
In response to the growing anxiety, California’s public higher education systems issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to inclusion. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty,” the statement said, underscoring the state’s commitment to diversity and student protection.
Educators are also mobilizing to support their students. “A teacher told me, ‘I feel like I have to protect my students,'” shared Lindsey Bird, a teacher coach. She reflected the widespread sentiment among educators: “Teachers are heartbroken but ready to defend their students’ rights.”
Despite the widespread anxiety, California remains a stronghold of support, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, feel welcomed and protected.
