An audio recording captured a Fresno Unified substitute teacher questioning Roosevelt High students about their immigration status. (GV Wire Composite/ Paul Marshall)
- Audio of Fresno Unified substitute questing students' immigration status is posted online, causing community outrage.
- Fresno Unified responds to the incident and reaffirms the district's commitment to educating all students.
- President Trump's deportations and the political climate are affecting students' education and learning environment.
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Fresno Unified School District is under fire after audio of a substitute teacher questioning students’ immigration status was posted online on Feb. 5.
The substitute teacher, unidentified by the district, condemned U.S. immigration policy, questioned how long students have lived in the U.S., and spoke about legal resident green cards.
The district swiftly responded to the recording, calling the comments “inappropriate” and “unacceptable”.
The incident allegedly happened at Roosevelt High, where Hispanic or Latino students comprise more than 82% of the enrollment.
Related Story: Californians Picked Up in Recent ICE Raids Include Kids and Volunteers
One mother, speaking to ABC 30, shared that this is not the only incident with this teacher. She had addressed a similar issue last year with the school and hoped this recording would push the district to do something.
Social media posts called for the removal of involved personnel and several commenters questioned how the district is handling the situation.
Representatives of the district, citing privacy laws, have not said whether the substitute teacher was removed from Fresno Unified sub list.
But, in a public statement, the district said that its human resources department is addressing the situation.
The statement asserts that Fresno Unified is making steps to “ensure that those entrusted with our students reflect our unwavering commitment to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.”
Related Story: Can a Joint Fresno Committee Allay Immigration Fears? These Leaders Want to Try
Current Climate at Fresno Unified
This comes during a tenuous time for students and schools, as ICE raids ordered in conjunction with President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown continue across the country.
In response to Trump’s mass deportation efforts, Fresno Unified students have organized multiple walkouts. The protesters carry Mexican flags and homemade signs.
Related Story: Fresno Students Walk Out of Class to Protest Deportations
In previous interview with GV Wire, Interim Superintendent Misty Her addressed the current climate.
“We’re here to educate, regardless of your immigration status, your citizenship. We are not immigration,” Her said, “When our kids and our families come, we are going to love and care about them and provide places where they belong, and they can learn. That is our goal. That is the consistent message that I’ve been giving to staff, and we are mindful of that.”
The district has echoed this message in multiple statements and social media posts.
They reiterated their dedication to refrain from questioning students’ immigration status or allowing ICE into school sites, unless the officers have a warrant.
The district encourages students to report any incidents of concern.
“If you see something, say something—this allows us to act swiftly in ensuring our schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all,” the district said in a statement.
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