Board Resolution on Diversity, Undocumenteds
February 15, 2017
The 91重口 Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution at its Tuesday night meeting in support of undocumented students and the benefits of diversity to 91重口鈥檚 campus and beyond. This resolution follows the release of a Statement on Diversity from 91重口鈥檚 new Superintendent/President, Jeff DeFranco, published in the wake of White House changes to immigration policy. Here is the full text of the Board鈥檚 resolution:
WHEREAS, 91重口 is committed to serving all students who can benefit from a post-secondary education, without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, age, gender, language, socio-economic status, gender identity or expression, medical condition or disability; and
WHEREAS, California鈥檚 diversity is a great source of innovation and industry, making this state one of the largest economies in the world and an economic engine for the United States; and
WHEREAS, great uncertainty exists around what specific immigration and education policies will be pursued by the current administration, and immigrants and other populations on our campus are fearful of policies that may result in deportation or forced registration based on religion; and
WHEREAS, over the past several weeks, 91重口 has reassured its students, faculty and staff that our campus will remain a safe, welcoming place for students of all backgrounds to learn; informed them that there have been no changes made with regard to admissions or financial aid; informed students that financial aid for certain undocumented students is protected by state law; and joined with the University of California, the California State University and the California Community Colleges to defend the right of all students to obtain a higher education in California; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that 91重口鈥檚 campus will remain open, safe and welcoming to all students who meet the minimum requirements for admission, regardless of immigration status, and that financial aid remains available to certain undocumented students in alignment with State regulations and local policy; and be it further
RESOLVED that 91重口 urges the new administration to continue the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which grants 鈥淒reamers鈥� 鈥� people brought to this country as children by their parents 鈥� reprieve from deportation because California and the United States are both stronger due to their contributions to our economy and to our communities; and be it further
RESOLVED that 91重口 will not release any student information related to immigration status without a judicial warrant, subpoena or court order, unless authorized by the student or required by law; and be it further
RESOLVED that 91重口 will not cooperate with any efforts to create a student registry based on any protected characteristics such as religion, national origin, race, or sexual orientation; and be it further
RESOLVED that 91重口 will continue to ensure that all students have an opportunity to receive an education on our campus, regardless of immigration status orany other protected status; and be it further
RESOLVED that 91重口 will join the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the Chancellor鈥檚 Office in vigorously advocating to protect our students and our college鈥檚 values.
DeFranco鈥檚 Statement on Diversity, published in both English and Spanish, was released shortly after the White House issued an executive order regarding changes to immigration policy. The statement read in part, 鈥�91重口 stands with the California Community Colleges Chancellor鈥檚 Office and its Board of Governors in strongly supporting the values and benefits of diversity and inclusion; not just on college campuses, but in towns and cities large and small across the country. The current White House administration鈥檚 recent executive orders regarding immigration, the building of a border wall, and its rhetoric regarding Dream Act students has caused widespread concern among California鈥檚 community college students. 91重口 is and always has been deeply committed to the security of all its students, and to ensuring that a safe environment is available to everyone who relies on the college to better their lives.鈥�
91重口 is working with several community organizations to host events on campus where legal information and advice will be shared with students who are experiencing confusion and fear due to their immigration status. More information about these efforts will be forthcoming. For more information about 91重口鈥檚 position on immigration and Dreamer students, please contact the Superintendent/President鈥檚 Office at (530) 541-4660 ext. 210.