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This story was originally published on EdSource.

The Los Angeles Unified School District has approved a resolution at its Tuesday board meeting to avoid contracting with vendors that support federal immigration actions. 

The resolution, approved unanimously, would require the district to review its existing vendors and contracts to determine whether they enable immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration, either directly or indirectly. 

Per the resolution, LAUSD would adjust agreements with such companies, seek alternatives and avoid future contracts with companies whose actions support federal actions. 

“We’ve seen students struggle to focus because a raid took place on their block the night before. This trauma does not just stay at home; it walks into the classroom with them,” said Lupita Martinez, a regional policy advocate with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. 

“That is why this resolution on transparency and accountability matters so deeply. Our families and students deserve to know that LAUSD is not connected, even indirectly, to systems, companies or vendors whose activities create fear, instability or the perception of harm.”

The superintendent’s office has 180 days to present a framework for evaluating vendors, create a complete list of the district’s contacts with outside vendors and start developing a public database. 

“When I first became board president, I initially called for a detailed analysis of LAUSD contracts for the benefit of this board, but it never materialized,” said Board President Scott Schmerelson. “Other members of the board have also requested that this district be more transparent about current contracts, but we have yet to see concrete results, and that is why I’m supporting this resolution.” 

Meanwhile, LAUSD adopted a memorandum of understanding with three unions, including:

• Teamsters Local 572 Unit S, which represents roughly 12,000 employees, from those working in everything from graphics to transit 
• California School Employees Association Los Angeles Chapter 500 Unit D, which represents over 4,600 classified school employees, ranging from office personnel to library technicians 
• The Los Angeles School Police Association Unit A and the Los Angeles School Police Management Association

“This agreement is the result of our members’ dedication and the collective strength of classified supervisors who keep Los Angeles Unified schools running every day,” said Adriana Salazar, a business representative for Teamsters Local 572, in a statement. “We are proud to have secured meaningful wage increases and improvements that recognize the experience, skills, and commitment of our members. We appreciate the collaborative efforts that led to this agreement and look forward to continuing our partnership with the District in support of our schools and communities.”

Neither United Teachers Los Angeles, which represents more than 35,000 district educators, nor SEIU Local 99, which represents nearly 60,000 employees ranging from bus drivers to food service workers, has reached an agreement with the district. 

Both have voted to authorize a strike. 

“I want you to know that I come from a place of deep respect for the work that you do. Again, as someone who’s been a teacher, principal, held a number of roles in the district, I understand that you are indeed the backbone of this district. The work simply just does not happen at schools or offices without you,” said Andres Chait, the acting superintendent. 

“My commitment to you is to always come from a place of transparency, honesty and dialogue.”