Agenda - 12-01-2014 - 4c - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 1, 2014 Action Agenda Item No. 4 -c SUBJECT: Resolution in Support of Eaual Access for Immiarant Children DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights, and PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No Community Development ATTACHMENT(S): Resolution in Support of Equal Access for Immigrant Children 1 INFORMATION CONTACT: James Davis, (919) 245 -2488 Commissioner Mark Dorosin, (919) 245 -2130 PURPOSE: To adopt a resolution declaring that Orange County, North Carolina, is a welcoming community in support of equal access to the fundamental right of public education, basic health care, and the protection of law enforcement for immigrant children. BACKGROUND: The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides certain rights and protections to all children regardless of their nation of origin. To wit, Title IV prohibits discrimination with regard to a child's equal access to a basic public elementary and secondary education regardless of their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, or the status of their parents /guardians. The Department of Justice provides guidance stating that school districts that either prohibit or discourage, or maintain policies that have the effect of prohibiting or discouraging, children from enrolling in schools because they or their parents /guardians are not U.S. citizens or are undocumented may be in violation of Federal law. The American Immigration Council has compiled resources that explain why there has been a recent influx of unaccompanied children fleeing to the United States from South American countries. Reports show that the reasons include extreme poverty, crime, gang threats, or violence. According to these reports, the majority of Salvadoran girls reported fear of rape or disappearance at the hands of gangs as their reason for emigrating. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners has asserted that the right to public education, access to basic health care and the protection of law are human rights that should be availed to every child without discrimination (in intent or effect) based on national origin. The Board of Commissioners, therefore, desires Orange County, North Carolina, to be a welcoming community where public education, health care and the protection of law is available to immigrant youth.