My godson, Ricardo, a bright and curious young student, attends Riverbank Elementary School, Washington Unified School District in West Sacramento, California. Recently, Spanish-speaking parents (his Mom, an immigrant) were treated with hostility under a new Parent School Ban. Maria is a leader in the PTC and School Site Council. The Principal called the police on this active parent (a former yard duty staff member), who is disliked by some staff members. 

Juan Pablo was 9 years old when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure. His headaches are severe. Mom is an immigrant and only speaks Spanish. Last year, Mom joined him in the Cafeteria line to monitor his no-salt diet. Juan Pablo has been denied reasonable accommodation despite medical notes from the doctor. On Oct 10, the Principal assaulted me after Mom filed a complaint with the District. Am I not a safe person?

See video: https://www.tiktok.com/@themariagrijalva/video/7563541218290961695?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7483273686850979358

Google Drive link to video:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uunFX8RWNokmgacNfcw8GfUOBYfc_F2C/view?usp=drive_link

It is distressing to learn that parents and guardians have been banned from campuses under the pretext of safety. While schools must maintain a secure environment for students, banning parents outright is an excessive and counterproductive measure. See the video of the assault  

A school ban directly restricts a Parent's Civil Liberties and Rights. The Fourteenth Amendment (Due Process and Equal Protection) and the First Amendment provide a legal framework for parents:

1. The Due Process Clause guarantees that the public school districts cannot deprive a person of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." A school ban implicates a parent's "liberty interest."

The Supreme Court has long recognized that parents have a fundamental liberty interest in the "care, custody, and control" of their children (Troxel v. Granville). A ban interferes with this right by preventing the parent from participating in their child's education, attending meetings, or volunteering.

2. First Amendment Rights: the ban can not violate a parent's protected speech or activities. Freedom of association: A ban prevents a parent from associating with other parents, teachers, and the school community. 

3. Equal Protection Rights (14th Amendment): If a ban is implemented in a discriminatory manner, it violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Discriminatory Application: The ban will be challenged at Riverbank Elementary because parents of a certain race, religion, national origin, or other protected class are being banned more frequently or for less severe infractions than other parents.

Civil Rights Violations Against the Student:

A ban on parents interferes with a student's right to access education and family integrity.

1. Violation of the Student's Right to Parental Participation. The Courts have long recognized that a student has a legitimate, constitutionally protected interest in the presence and participation of their parent in their school life.

2. Interference with Family Integrity: The ban intrudes upon the family unit, which is protected under the Fourteenth Amendment

3. Impacts on Educational Experience: The student may be unable to have their parent drop in at the cafeteria for lunch, or attend their practice performances, award ceremonies, parent-teacher conferences, or athletic events, causing them social and emotional harm and isolating them from their peers.

4. Violation of the Student's Right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), especially under federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

5. IDEA and Parental Participation: For a student with an IEP (Individualized Education Program), the IDEA guarantees parents the right to be meaningfully involved in the development and review of their child's education. This includes parents dropping in on their student.

6. Due Process Violations for the Student. The student is being deprived of a benefit (parental involvement) without any wrongdoing on their part.

If a ban is necessary, the least restrictive means should be used to address serious problems. Only parents who pose a genuine threat to the safety of students or staff,  or are substantially disruptive, should be banned.

A blanket ban will not prevent an unhoused individual from walking on school property, nor will it stop an active shooter. These are social problems we must address with Love. We can't allow fear to consume us. We must model good behaviors. The children are watching. Children will model our behavior. We must address fear with Love. 

A ban without strict procedural safeguards is bound to violate civil rights, as the video shows.

To boot, blocking all parents from being present on school grounds negatively impacts the emotional and social development of children. Students benefit from seeing their parents participate in their school life, be it during drop-off, volunteering for events, or simply communicating with teachers face-to-face. Studies show that parental involvement in schools is linked to higher academic achievement, improved behavior, and better social skills.

By prohibiting all parents from accessing the school campus, we are potentially hindering the development of our children and reducing the sense of community that is essential for a thriving young mind.

Furthermore, this blanket ban on parents can isolate students and disconnect them from a community that supports their academic and personal growth. Such policies may unintentionally target and affect parents who are involved and committed to their child's education, leading them to feel unwelcome and excluded.

Instead of a complete ban, a blanket ban... we propose a more balanced and nuanced approach that includes:

1. Scheduled Visits: Allowing parents to visit during scheduled times or on a by-appointment basis, thus ensuring security and organization.
2. Visible Identification: Requiring all visitors, including parents, to display a school-provided identification badge when on campus to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Volunteer Programs: Establishing structured volunteer opportunities for parents to contribute meaningfully while their presence is monitored and managed.
4. Security Upgrades: Investing in up-to-date security measures like surveillance systems and school staff training to ensure campus safety without excluding parents.

5. Background checks for parents and volunteers alike.  

We urge the Washington Unified School District to reconsider its policy and find solutions that balance safety with parental participation. Let us work together to create an inclusive atmosphere that supports our children and their families. Please sign this petition to reinstate parents' rightful place in their children's educational journey and strengthen the school community in West Sacramento.