University Statement on DACA (Sept. 5, 2017)
Dear Colleagues and Students:
Today, the Trump administration announced that it would rescind the administrative order that created the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, created in 2012. As part of this decision, the current administration gave a six-month grace period, during which the main tenets of DACA will continue to be in effect prior to a gradual phase out of the program. It is my understanding that this grace period was given to allow Congress the time needed to either identify a legislative solution for DACA participants or to let the program expire in its entirety.
The members of the Presidents Cabinet, the Provosts Council, and the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate continue to be in support of DACA and in keeping our campus an open and welcoming community.
As the responsibility now turns to Congress to determine the future of those who have been protected by DACA, I call on our elected officials to remain open to understanding the impact that a repeal will have on those who are registered. I also encourage our elected officials to focus their efforts and create a resolution that is both humane and fair.
As has been our long-standing tradition, the University will continue to support opportunities that provide respectful, civil debate, and open conversations to deepen the understanding of this issue and the other challenging issues of our day. To continue this tradition, I have asked our Universitys academic and administrative leaders to create appropriate and inclusive activities that engage us and acknowledge the variety of viewpoints that are represented within our University community. I hope you will attend these organized activities, create your own, and act in ways that are consistent with your values and beliefs.
For members of our community who may be impacted by these pending policy changes, please know that there are people and resources available here to assist you. All of these resources are listed at http://news.uindy.edu/2017/09/05/daca-resources/
Our University’s mission is constructed on a foundation of welcoming students with diverse backgrounds and who are from a variety of cultures and nations. We remain committed to this inclusive environment. In the coming days, please be mindful that these uncertain times and changing policies may affect individual members of our community in different ways. We will continue to successfully fulfill our mission if we all are able to engage with each other, respecting differences and with the concern for the impact these questions have on the lives of our friends and colleagues.
Regards,
Rob
University President
Robert L. Manuel