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As the Trump Administration Takes Actions Against Immigrants, LGBTQ+ Community, Sudbury’s Education Leaders Stand Firm
Sudbury Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Brad Crozier and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Superintendent/Principal Andrew Stephens have issued letters to their respective school communities reaffirming them that their schools will stand firm in their values of equity and inclusion, and abide by State law regarding immigration and protections for LGBTQ+ members of the schools.
The letters were issued in the wake of a series of executive orders and actions by the Trump administration that rolled back protections around diversity and LGBTQ+ rights, and ongoing U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raids, including growing fears of such raids in Massachusetts.
Actions to roll back DEI initiatives at the Department of Education were announced on January 23, and several outlets are reporting that the Trump administration is evaluating plans to eliminate the Department of Education altogether, though that would require legislative action.
Crozier’s letter told the SPS community “Our schools do not engage in immigration enforcement.” He went on to add “Protections for LGBTQ+ individuals are firmly upheld by the Massachusetts Constitution and are reflected in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations, curriculum frameworks, and our district’s policies. These protections have not changed and remain a priority for us.”
Stephens told the Lincoln-Sudbury community “The values and beliefs of the L-S community are centered on our goal to first provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for our students and staff. This is the foundation that is necessary for every one of our students to access their education and learn. Further, we are unabashed in our commitment to providing all of our students, staff, and families an inclusive school environment where they feel that they belong and are valued. These beliefs form the bedrock of our school community.”
Stephens went on to explain that Lincoln-Sudbury is not legally allowed to collect immigration information under State law, and that State law offers clear protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community at Lincoln-Sudbury.
Crozier closed his letter reaffirming SPS values:
“As a district, we remain dedicated to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone in our community.”
Both school leaders noted that they were evaluating protocols and procedures should any incidents occur.
Both letters are embedded in their entirety below for desktop computers. They will appear as links on mobile devices.