Student Rights and Safety Resources

Student Rights and Safety Resources

Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students. This page provides access to important policies, definitions, and support resources related to student rights, discrimination, harassment, bullying, and student safety, in accordance with California Education Code (EC 220, 234, et seq.).

Discrimination & Harassment Definitions

Defines prohibited conduct and student protections under California law.

  • National Sexual Assault Hotline – call 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline – call 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733
  • WEAVE/relationship/Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Sex Trafficking – 24 Hour Support & Information Line – call (916) 920-2952


Sexual Harassment Policy

Explains reporting procedures, prevention, and protections related to sexual harassment.


Bullying Prevention (to include Cyberbullying & Hate Violence)

Prevention, reporting, and response procedures for bullying, cyberbullying, and hate-related incidents. Learn more here.


Harassment, Discrimination, Intimidation, and Bullying Prevention

Policies addressing prohibited conduct, reporting processes, and protections under state and federal law.


Resources for those affected by gangs, gun violence, and trauma

Access to support services, counseling, and community resources for students impacted by violence and trauma. Learn more here.


Title IX Policy Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sex

Prohibits sex discrimination and sexual harassment in HCCTS programs and activities and outlines reporting, investigation, grievance procedures, and student and employee rights under Title IX. Learn more here.


Uniform Complaint Policy & Procedures (UCP)

Provides procedures for reporting and resolving complaints involving discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, pupil fees, and other state and federal education program compliance issues. Learn more here.


Substance Abuse & Synthetic Drug Awareness

Education, prevention, and resources related to substance abuse, including synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Policy

Prohibits unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation; outlines protected characteristics, reporting procedures, and investigation processes to ensure a safe and equitable environment.

What rights do immigrant students and families have in California schools and colleges?

A quick guide to understanding the rights and protections for immigrant students and families in California schools and colleges. Providing resources for ensuring safe and inclusive educational environments amidst ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement. edsource.org

Northern California Resource Guide

Social/Emotional Support

Centro Legal de la Raza

Provides mental health workshops for immigrant families, counseling referrals, and legal support.
3400 E. 12th Street, Oakland, CA 94601
(510) 437-1554
https://www.centrolegal.org

La Clínica de La Raza

Provides behavioral health services and counseling support for students and families dealing with trauma and stress.
Multiple locations in the Bay Area
(510) 535-4000
https://laclinica.org

Bay Area Community Resources (BACR)

Offers mental health and case management services to students and families experiencing deportation fears.
171 Carlos Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-5580
https://www.bacr.org/

Catholic Charities of San Francisco

Provides counseling services, family case management, and emotional support.
990 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 972-1200
https://catholiccharitiessf.org/

Legal Services

Asian Law Caucus

Free immigration legal representation, deportation defense, and community workshops.
55 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 896-1701
https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/

Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA)

Legal services, community outreach, and Know Your Rights workshops.
657 Mission Street, Suite 301, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 538-8100
https://iibayarea.org/

Central California Resource Guide

Social/Emotional Support

Clinica Sierra Vista

Behavioral health support, counseling, and trauma services for families.
Multiple locations in Bakersfield and Fresno
(661) 635-3050
https://www.clinicasierravista.org/

Raices Cultura (Coachella Valley)

Cultural and emotional support programs, including mental health support.
1494 Sixth Street, Coachella, CA 92236
(760) 398-3560
https://www.raicescultura.org/

Central Valley Family Therapy

Counseling and mental health support for families experiencing immigration stress.
7170 N. Financial Dr., Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 691-6840
https://centralvalleyfamilytherapy.com/

Legal Services

California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA)

Free legal assistance to low-income families, including immigration-related issues.
Various locations across Central California
(800) 337-0690
https://www.crla.org/

Southern California Resource Guide

Social/Emotional Support

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

Mental health workshops, counseling support, and community advocacy.
2533 W. 3rd Street, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 353-1333
https://chirla.org/

The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health

Emotional health services for immigrant students through LAUSD schools.
333 S. Beaudry Avenue, 18th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 241-3511
https://thelatrust.org/

San Diego Social Advocates for Youth (SAY)

Runs community programs for immigrants and refugees; includes a family resource center.
4775 Viewridge Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-4148
https://www.saysandiego.org/who-we-serve/new-arrival-immigrant-refugee-youth-adults/

Legal Services

Public Counsel

Free immigration legal aid, including asylum and deportation defense.
610 S. Ardmore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 385-2977
https://publiccounsel.org

Immigrant Defenders Law Center

Deportation defense and legal aid for minors and families.
634 S. Spring Street, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 634-0999
https://www.immdef.org

San Diego Rapid Response Network

Emergency legal support and deportation defense.
(619) 536-0823
https://rapidresponsesd.org