We know that students need stability in order to thrive. Unfortunately, young scholars in the highest need communities often face some of the greatest obstacles to finding stability, and recently the federal government has proposed a new rule to make it even harder. Will you help us defeat this proposal?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed a new federal housing rule called

“FR-6124-P-01 Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status,” that may result in the loss of stable housing for thousands of families accessing public housing and Section 8 assistance. The proposed rule would prohibit “mixed status” families — households with both documented and undocumented family members — from receiving public housing assistance. This rule is a direct attack on immigrant communities and families living in poverty, and we invite you to stand with us and with our families to oppose this proposed rule.

As a result of this proposed rule, an estimated 55,000 children nationwide, including hundreds of students in our Partnership schools, are at risk of losing the stability they need to be successful. At a community meeting with the Watts Gang Task Force last month, our friends at HACLA (Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles) asked our community to speak up and oppose this new rule. HACLA estimates that nearly one-third of households in Los Angeles public housing are of “mixed status” and that over 11,000 residents in Los Angeles could be turned out on the streets if this rule goes into effect. It was both symbolic and sobering that we learned this information at Edwin Markham Middle School, our middle school in Watts, where we educate students aged 10-14 who live in four neighboring public housing developments. If this rule goes into effect, hundreds of our young scholars and families from Markham, Joyner Elementary, Jordan High and others may be evicted or may proactively flee for fear of repercussions.

We at the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, along with district leaders at LA Unified, plan to submit a comment asking HUD to withdraw this proposed change. We invite our friends and allies to do the same by the deadline of July 9th. California leaders have issued a statement urging withdrawal of the proposed rule and dozens of partners with #KeepFamiliesTogether have organized resources and an online template for anyone wishing to support the movement to oppose this proposal.

We work relentlessly to transform schools and revolutionize school systems to empower all students with a high-quality education. Housing stability is literally a foundational starting point for our mission, our students, and our families. We hope you will join us in speaking up for and with our communities.

If you have any questions, please follow up with Tanya.Franklin@partnershipla.org.