To: University Community
From: Ralph Kuncl, President
Date: November 19, 2019
Subject: DACA Update
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about whether the Trump administration acted lawfully when it sought to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). Since 2012, DACA has been providing legal protection and work eligibility to about 800,000 undocumented individuals who were brought to the United States as children.
We recognize this is a time of continued uncertainty for our DACA holders and, as we stand with them, for our community as a whole.
Since the effort to rescind DACA was announced in September 2017, we have reiterated our commitment to the University’s core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and non-discrimination, while recognizing our responsibility to meet legal obligations. As a teaching and learning institution, we seek to support every person in our community—regardless of immigration status or national origin—who seeks an education that builds skills, identifies passions, and enhances the ability to contribute to society and the world.
As described in an FAQ and statement on DACA, the University continues its policy of refusing to release student records without student consent or a judicial order; law enforcement must present a warrant or subpoena before the University may be compelled to assist in contacting any member of our community. The University’s admission process also continues to be blind to immigration status.
Here below, we remind the community of the resources available for DACA students:
As we await the Supreme Court’s decision, expected by June of next year, we recognize our DACA students’ bravery and redouble our commitment to maintaining a compassionate, humane, and empathetic community in which all persons are treated equally, with respect and dignity.
In solidarity,