Schools

School District Lawyers Allowed to Help Minors Facing Deportation for Free

The LAUSD Board approved a policy allowing its attorneys to help students, who came to the U.S. without their parents to, fight deportation.

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The Los Angeles Unified School District board approved a policy today allowing its staff attorneys to voluntarily provide free legal services to unaccompanied minors who live within district boundaries and are facing deportation proceedings.

The program was sparked by the arrival in the United States of thousands of children from El Salvador, Honduras and other countries last year. According to the district, nearly 3,000 of those refugees are living in Los Angeles County and some have enrolled in LAUSD schools -- most between 15 and 17 years old, but some as young as 5.

“Our lawyers, like our cafeteria workers and teachers, are important advocates to assist in meeting the needs of our youth and creating access to justice, learning and achievement,” LAUSD board member Monica Garcia said. “I challenge other districts across the nation to do the same.”

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According to the district 10 of its lawyers are expected to handle the cases, working an average of one to three hours a week. They will make up their work hours by working late or on weekends, according to the district.

The board approved the program on a 6-1 vote, with Tamar Galatzan dissenting.

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