Dear Families of Assumption School:
In light of the recent announcement regarding changes in immigration enforcement, I want to reassure you that Assumption School remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety, well-being, and care of our entire school community. We have prepared a response plan for any potential immigration-related action on our campus, guided by our values and our dedication to serving all families.
As a private diocesan school, Assumption School is situated on a closed campus where every space is private property. No adult has unrestricted access to our school. All faculty, staff, and volunteers have undergone clearance to be on campus with children, and all visitors must check in at the front office. Access to campus may be denied at any time by me or a member of the administrative team. Additionally, we do not maintain records of the citizenship status of our students and families, nor do we share private student or family data unless legally required and verified through our diocesan school attorney.
Historically, schools have been recognized as sensitive locations where students can learn and grow without disruption. Our school has always had a positive and respectful relationship with the San Leandro Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. Until recently, we expected that federal agencies, such as ICE, would not conduct enforcement actions on our campus. However, due to changes in immigration enforcement policies, we must acknowledge that this expectation may no longer be certain.
In response, and in alignment with the Diocese of Oakland, the California Department of Justice, and our Assumption School values, we have established a clear protocol. Additional signage will reinforce our policy that all visitors must check in at the front office. If immigration enforcement officials seek access to campus, a designated school administrator—likely myself, though my vice principals have also been trained—will handle any such request. Faculty and staff are not responsible for assessing the validity of warrants or enforcement actions; instead, we will continue to focus on educating all of our students while directing any such inquiries to the school administration. If approached, I will determine the identity and purpose of the visitors, evaluate their legal authority, and consult with the Diocese of Oakland’s legal counsel before taking any next steps. We will keep our school community informed to the greatest extent possible.
We recognize that this is a difficult and uncertain time for many members of our community. As a Catholic school, we firmly believe that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging. Any form of discrimination, exclusion, or disrespect—regardless of immigration status—goes against our mission and values. I will work closely with our teachers to ensure that our students understand the importance of compassion, inclusivity, and the strength of our diverse community.
At the end of this letter, you will find resources to support families who may be experiencing fear or stress due to these changes. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
Thank you for being a part of our Assumption School family. Together, we will continue to uphold our values and care for one another with faith and compassion.
In God's Love,
Lana Rocheford
Principal
Resources for support:
- Legal Resources within the Catholic Community:
- Pope Francis Legal Clinic
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)
- Catholic Charities East Bay: Immigration Legal Services
- Diocese of Oakland Immigration Resources
- Downloading Red Cards
- Know Your Rights flyer from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)
- Know Your Rights (Flyer and Cards)
- Know Your Rights-Youtube Video (4 min)
- Know Your Rights from the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
- Know Your Rights-No Matter Who is President
- Wallet Cards (intended for people with LDs or neurodivergence)
- https://refugees.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Know-Your-Rights_final.pdf
- We have rights - scenarios videos and scripts (with gratitude to Eduardo Valencia, Cristo Rey de La Salle and Armando Diaz, Bishop O’Dowd High School)
Information Sessions on Immigration with Elected Officials
- Know Your Rights Workshop with Assemblymember Liz Ortega, an in person session at Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward on Saturday, February 1st at 9:00 am, details and RSVP here