Two CU Boulder faculty groups have expressed support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, underscoring the importance of all student contributions to higher education, regardless of their immigration status.
The Arts & Sciences Council, which represents faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences, said in a policy position that faculty members recognize the importance of a diverse student body to the campus’s collective goals as outlined in the college’s vision statement. The largest college on campus, Arts and Sciences houses the greatest number of DACA students at CU Boulder.
“We celebrate the important contributions of all students without exception and regardless of their immigration status. Our students are a priceless asset to the Boulder community, to Colorado, and to our nation,” reads the statement.
“The Arts & Sciences Council further recognizes that impediments to the success of our Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals—DACA—students should be viewed as obstacles to us all, and as such, challenging any and all erosions or rights to any group in our community is our collective responsibility,” according to the ASC.
Endorsing the spirit of support expressed by the ASC, as well as by Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano in previous statements, the Boulder Faculty Assembly said in a resolution it’s important for the university community to reaffirm its commitment to diversity by ensuring the safety and security of all students, faculty, staff and communities, including immigrants and DACA students.
“We express public heartfelt support for DACA students and their families, and ask the leadership to take the necessary steps to actively create and maintain a welcoming and safe place on our campus. In accordance with our commitments to Inclusive Excellence and CU Boulder's 2030 Strategic Goals, we must all act in support of the learning and growth of all students in our CU Boulder community," according to the faculty assembly.
On Tuesday, students, staff and faculty participated in a two-hour Spring Diversity and Inclusion Summit “UndocuAllies” session that staff and faculty organizers hoped would promote greater understanding around DACA and shed light on the legal and personal uncertainties faced by undocumented students.
The summit is sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE). Assistant Vice Chancellor David Aragon, Colorado Law Professor Violeta Chapin and History Professor Fred Anderson, who serve as faculty and staff advocates for DACA and Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) students, presented the UndocuAllies session.
For more information, visit the Resources for DACA/ASSET Students and Employees website.
