91重口 Statement on Diversity
February 3, 2017
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.
In alignment with the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, 91重口 will not release any student information related to immigration status without a warrant, subpoena, or court order. The college will not cooperate with any efforts to create a student registry based on constitutionally protected categories such as religion, nationality, race, or sexual orientation. And, 91重口 stands firm in its resolve to make certain that all students have a chance to receive a quality education regardless of their immigration status.
鈥淧ublic education is the great equalizer,鈥� says 91重口 Superintendent/President Jeff DeFranco. 鈥淎s educators, it鈥檚 our civic duty to make educational opportunities available to everyone. This doesn鈥檛 just help individual students; it provides an avenue for growth and progress for our entire country.鈥�
At 91重口, in-state enrollment fees and state financial aid, including fee waivers, Cal Grants and privately funded institutional scholarships, are available to undocumented students known as Dreamers. These benefits are protected by California law in the form of the Dream Act, which allows students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships and state-funded financial aid for college. 91重口 has more information about these benefits online.
It is uncertain what direction the White House will take regarding Dream Act students located around the country. But 91重口鈥檚 firm commitment to its own Dreamers is clear: 鈥淥ur doors are open for all 91重口 students, and we stand with our Dreamers and international students," said President DeFranco.
The college is currently drafting a Board of Trustees resolution formalizing the positions stated above. Campus-wide events with community organization involvement where legal information and advice will be shared are also in the works. More information about these efforts will be coming.
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.