SCCCD Supports DACA Students

Good morning students and staff: 

By now, most of you have likely received a message from your college president and are aware of the discouraging news from last week - our DACA students, often referred to as Dreamers, are facing yet another hurdle. A federal judge in Texas ruled against recent efforts by the Biden administration to protect the "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) program, originally established during the Obama era. 

This decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals deeply troubles many of us in leadership at State Center Community College District. In response, we will join our State Chancellor to intensify federal advocacy efforts to champion legal pathways for undocumented students.  

State Center Community College District remains resolute in its commitment to support DACA students. We unequivocally endorse the DACA program and advocate for the passage of the DREAM Act. We urge Congress to bolster our economy by enacting this crucial legislation and extending federal student financial aid to all Dreamers and DACA recipients. Rest assured, together we will push for a permanent immigration solution and foster open dialogue on this pressing issue.  

Fresno City College, in partnership with the State Chancellor’s Office, will host an in-person event for Undocumented Student Action Week on Monday, October 16, 2023. This free event features a resource fair, discussions on enhancing access for undocumented students, and a panel of undocumented students. The theme for this event is “Creating Belonging for Undocumented Students”. Dr. Pimentel, President of Fresno City College , and the entire FCC team extend a warm welcome to all who wish to attend. Please register here: FCC In-Person Event Registration. We hope to see many of you from across the District in attendance.  

If you are not able to join in person on October 16th, watch out for virtual events throughout the week that offer valuable insights into supporting our DACA students. Keep an eye on your district email and check each college’s web pages for further information. I join Dr. Buckley, President of Reedley College, in encouraging all of us to explore the history of immigration in the United States. As we delve into this history, we may discover that many of our own families were immigrants, for if we trace far enough back in time, most of us are immigrants to North America.  

Additionally, you may notice an increased display of monarch butterfly flags across the District. As Dr. Armstrong mentioned at Clovis Community College, they “fly boldly at both Herndon and Willow campuses as a strong visual gesture of our commitment.” This symbolic gesture extends across the District, sending a message of welcome to our DACA students.

All four colleges in the State Center Community College District are proud Hispanic-Serving Institutions. We remain steadfast in our service, both in times of celebration and challenge. We will be vocal at every necessary level and, most importantly, we will be attuned to the needs of our students, faculty, and classified professionals who may be affected. 

I echo the sentiments of Dr.  Reyna, President of Madera Community College: “State Center Community College District is united in our support for our DACA students and their families. As we have always done, we will continue to provide them with the necessary resources and support to thrive in the classroom."  He is correct, we will continue to strive to ensure everyone feels welcome at our colleges.   

We stand united in our unwavering support of our DACA students and their families, offering resources to ensure their success. 

I encourage you to participate and learn how to support our students best.  

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your college or district leadership team. 

Dr. Carole Goldsmith
Chancellor
State Center Community College District