 Dear Oakland Unified Community,
I write because of the significant ruling the United States Supreme Court handed down today on the issue of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. While it is not a final ruling on the matter, for the time being, Dreamers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the effort by the administration to end DACA is on hold.
Regardless of the ruling, I want to remind everyone of an indisputable fact: Oakland Unified School District is a sanctuary district, inside a sanctuary city, inside a sanctuary state. That means we welcome and support all people no matter where they came from or how they got here. We will always stand behind our students, staff and families who came to Oakland from every part of the world.
Like the recent demonization of all immigrants, the demonization of DACA recipients by some people in power has been cruel. Dreamers were brought to this country by their parents as children. They have simply never known another country as their home. Having spent most of their lives here, they have become fully acclimated, getting their education – including college education – joining the workforce and contributing greatly to society. Dreamers are on our staff and in our families and school communities. We value them as we do all members of our OUSD family.
After today’s ruling, I am hopeful that the tide is finally turning on those who would take us back to a time when this nation was not for everyone. Let’s hope that the momentum we as a country have built up over the past few weeks, continues to take us toward a more just society, welcoming to all people.
Respectfully,
 Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell
Superintendent |
Thursday, June 18, 2020
