This is what I believe in. I’m grateful this community is where I call home.

This letter from the district superintendent,

02/05/2025

Santa Clara Unified School District

“Dear SCUSD students, families, staff, and community,

When times are uncertain, it is more critical than ever that we come together as a community and extend support, kindness, and connection to one another.

Recently, we have watched as various communities have come under fire, and we are hearing from children, families, and staff about the impact that this is having on them. Fear and uncertainty have been stoked for many individuals and communities.

During this uncertain time, I want to reaffirm our district’s commitment to support, safety, and belonging for all in our schools and district. This is a time for us all to rally around one another and lean into our collective values of empathy, respect, and students first.

In this time, we encourage the SCUSD community to focus on a few key principles:

SCUSD remains committed to our values around equity and diversity which make us a resilient, more dynamic district. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is not a weakness but a strength. SCUSD adopted a districtwide Equity Framework last year. This framework continues to guide and inform our broader work focused on equity, prioritizing student and community voice, among others.

Members of our LGBTQ+ community, in this moment, are under particular assault. To our young people in the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender youth, know that we see you. We are here for you and are richer because of who you are and what you bring to your schools and communities. We deeply value you for being just who you are.

Our communities of color and immigrant communities also continue to be targeted. We persist in working with California lawmakers, officials, and legal counsel to ensure we provide the fullest protection that the law allows. We are in the business of schooling and creating spaces for every young person to learn and grow joyfully.

Please know that we stand together as a community, holding firmly to our beliefs of equity, belonging, and kindness. Our diversity is our strength, and we will continue to champion and forge ahead with our equity work.

We are actively working to ensure that our schools remain places where every student and family feels safe, supported, and valued. As a community, it is critical that we continue to show up for one another and ground our actions in compassion and empathy. I encourage you to take care of yourselves and others by using the many available support resources (see below).

The well-being of the children of our community is our sole purpose for being here. Thank you for being part of our Santa Clara Unified family, where we are in the business of unlocking the infinite potential of every learner, and preparing our youth to thrive.”