Back Up Agenda Item 39_Proposal for Supporting Supplies to Enhance Immigrant Student Protection and Rights from the Human Rights Commission — original pdf

Backup

Danielle & Gabriella Budget Proposal for Supporting Supplies to Enhance Immigrant Student Protections and Rights WHEREAS, Recent tragic events, such as the suicide of Jocelynn Rojo-Carranza, an 11-year- old girl who faced bullying due to her family’s immigration status, highlight the severe and devastating impacts of immigration-related discrimination and the lack of adequate protections within schools; WHEREAS, Reports from immigrant families in Austin indicate that increased raids and threats of deportation have created a climate of fear, deterring families from seeking assistance, accessing education, or reporting incidents of violence or harassment for fear of being separated; WHEREAS, Immigrants in Austin, including students, face systemic challenges, including bullying, harassment, and an overall lack of understanding about their rights and protections; WHEREAS, The City of Austin has a responsibility to ensure that all residents, irrespective of immigration status, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive and that our schools provide a safe environment where all children can learn without fear of discrimination or retaliation; WHEREAS, Inaccurate and inaccessible information about immigration laws and rights continues to be a barrier for many immigrants and their families, exacerbating their vulnerability, contributing to mistrust of local institutions, and threatening their constitutional due process rights. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends that the City Council allocate $500,000 in funding to support supplies and materials necessary for the implementation of immigrant student protections, rights education, and family support services. This funding will ensure: 1. Printing and Distribution of Know Your Rights Materials - $150,000 a. Production of multilingual Know Your Rights guides tailored for students, families, and educators. b. Distribution of materials across all public schools, libraries, and community centers across the city in coordination with Austin ISD (including Red Know Your Rights cards and Texas Immigration Law Council From Scared to Prepared one- pagers). c. Development of digital and print resources for easy access through the City of Austin website and social media channels. 2. Development of Educational Toolkits for Schools - $120,000 a. Creation of classroom toolkits that include lesson plans, training materials, and engagement resources on immigration rights and protections in partnership with Austin ISD. b. Partnership with local organizations to provide instructional materials for educators to integrate immigration awareness into school curricula. c. Training sessions for school staff on responding to immigration-related concerns and ensuring a safe environment for all students. 3. Support for Community Outreach and Workshops - $100,000 a. Organization of community forums, Know Your Rights workshops, and family support events to educate immigrant families on their rights and available city resources. b. Development of online video guides and interactive resources for families unable to attend in-person events. c. Compensation for bilingual educators and legal professionals leading outreach initiatives. 4. Safe Learning Environments in Schools - $80,000 a. Procurement of culturally affirming supplies, including bilingual signage, posters, and classroom materials that promote inclusivity and belonging. b. Funding for anonymous reporting systems to allow students to safely report instances of bullying or discrimination. c. Grants for student-led initiatives that foster an inclusive school culture. 5. Coordination with Community-Based Organizations - $50,000 a. Strengthening partnerships with immigrant advocacy groups (American Gateways, RAICES, Workers Defense, Caritas, etc.) to provide direct support services, legal aid, and counseling for students and families facing immigration- related challenges. b. Funding for translation and interpretation services to ensure accessibility of information across diverse linguistic communities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED The Human Rights Commission calls on the City to ensure equitable distribution of materials and resources, with a priority focus on Title I schools and communities with high immigrant populations. The City should develop an accountability and reporting system to track the effectiveness of these initiatives and ensure continuous improvements. The City should reaffirm its commitment to “Freedom City” policies by providing law enforcement with updated training and materials on protecting immigrant communities and minimizing discretionary arrests. The Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends that the City Council allocate a total of $500,000 to support supplies, educational materials, outreach, and partnerships aimed at strengthening protections and resources for immigrant students and families.