Today's White House Decision to Phase Out DACA

The Trump Administration’s decision today to phase out the DACA program has created great anxiety and concern on our campus and at universities nationwide. I share that concern and offer my support to all of our undocumented students, who are a vital part of our university.

Let me reassure you that DACA students are valued members of our university community, and they will remain so. They deserve our compassion and support during these uncertain times.

I also want to offer this reassurance: CSU systemwide enrollment and tuition policies are not based on DACA status and will not be impacted. State funding available under the California Dream Act is not based on DACA status and will not change.

Those facts are clear, but much remains to be determined as we sort through the implications and effects of today’s decision. I encourage all who might be affected to carefully read the DACA fact sheet that the Chancellor’s Office has prepared, as well as periodically check updates on the CSU Chancellor’s Office website. Congress may pass legislation on the matter, but it is prudent to base our thinking on what we currently know.

The Bronco Dreamers Resource Center, which serves our undocumented students, stands ready to assist those in need, as well as their allies. We are an inclusive community, and that will not change regardless of what happens in Washington. I am heartened that ASI President Farris Hamza and other student leaders have expressed their strong support for our undocumented students and their important place in the diverse fabric of our campus community. It is a message that I fully embrace.

Regardless of your background or status, we care about your well-being. If you are a student and wish to talk to someone, Student Health and Counseling Services stands ready to help. If you are an employee, you may find assistance through the CPPLifeMatters program.

My beacon statement begins with “We are student-centered.” That is a daily commitment, but it is especially poignant in times like these. We are a Bronco family — and we remain a family despite the challenges we face.

Soraya M. Coley, President

Chancellor Timothy White has issued a statement expressing the sentiments of the CSU. I want to share his thoughts with you as well:

Dear CSU community,

I was deeply disappointed by this morning’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This program enabled thousands of academically qualified Californians to pursue their dreams at California State University campuses, and was widely acknowledged as a strategic benefit to our state and, indeed, our nation. I am joining with colleagues throughout the United States to urge Congress to pursue legislation that will restore the heart of this forward-thinking program in a timely manner.

The university’s enrollment and tuition policies are not based on DACA status so enrollment, tuition and financial aid for students is not impacted by the ending of the program. Additionally, state funding under the California Dream Act is not based on DACA status and will not change.

Our mission to provide excellent educational opportunities to all Californians shall not waver. We will continue to vigorously pursue the CSU’s commitment to advance and extend knowledge, learning and culture; to provide opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally and professionally; and to prepare educated and responsible alumni who are ready and able to contribute to California’s culture and economy. To that end, I will continue to advocate for our current and future students and employees who are affected by this unfortunate development.

I encourage our DACA students to explore information recently posted on the CSU website to learn more about your rights, the potential effect of the DACA repeal, and the steps we are taking to assist with the completion of your educational pursuits. This website, which also has information about legal support services, will be updated with any new information as soon as it is available.

To our wonderful CSU employees impacted by this revocation, I am troubled and dismayed that without any new federal action the CSU will be required to end the employment of some of its DACA recipients as early as March 6, 2018. While our hope is that members of Congress will pass legislation restoring the protections afforded by DACA, if they fail to act timely, regretfully, there are no options to allow CSU to continue to employ you. I am troubled by this uncertainty and the potential loss of your contributions, creativity, energy and expertise, but I am optimistic that Congress will act to address the issue. Campus Human Resource Officers and AVPs/Deans of Faculty are available to assist faculty and staff, Student Affairs will provide support to students, and Systemwide Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel will continue to provide information and additional resources. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to utilize the Employee Assistance Programs and counseling centers on their respective campuses.

Again, let me express my personal disappointment toward this action that will have such a profoundly negative impact on our nation, our state, our university, and so many of our colleagues, students and friends. I hope you’ll join me in urging members of Congress to work towards a long-term solution.