College of Marin Superintendent/President David Wain Coon's Statement Regarding Action by the Trump Administration to end DACA for Dreamers
KENTFIELD/NOVATO, CA—September 5, 2017—College of Marin Superintendent/President David Wain Coon sent the following statement to students, faculty, and staff regarding action by the Trump administration to end DACA:
"In an announcement this morning made by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, we learned that the Trump administration ordered the end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This action affects young people who are receiving an education and/or are working as contributing members of our society. College of Marin continues to support DACA and my heart goes out to those impacted by this decision.
In December 2016, I issued a statement clarifying College of Marin’s commitment to supporting all students. This statement reaffirmed the College’s position on allowing those in pursuit of higher education to do so without the fear of being arrested, deported, or rounded up simply for pursuing an education and a better life.
In light of today’s decision to end DACA, I would like to reiterate that College of Marin remains committed to serving all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, heritage, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, disability—or their immigration status. We will continue building a community of belonging by providing a safe, welcoming learning environment and we will also continue to advocate for a permanent resolution to this issue.
Given the justifiable concern our students may be feeling, Student Services will sponsor an open space today, September 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tomorrow, September 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the ASCOM office (Student Services Center, room 241) for those needing support or someone to talk with. Staff will be available to provide resources for DACA students and others needing assistance. The following link contains additional resources: ss.marin.edu/community-resources
If students need additional support, there will be staff in the following areas:
Student Activities and Advocacy (415) 485-9376
Student Success (415) 485-9431
EOPS (415) 485-9605
Counseling (415) 485-9432
California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s action to end DACA:
“Ending DACA is a heartless and senseless decision that goes against American ideals and basic human decency. Those who are affected by this decision were brought to this country as children and are pursuing an education and making contributions to their communities. Some have served in the armed forces defending this country. In California, we don’t put dreams—or Dreamers—on hold. The California Community Colleges remain committed to serving all students, regardless of immigration status, and to providing safe and welcoming environments in which to learn. We will do all within our power to assist students affected by this decision, and we will advocate tirelessly in Congress for a permanent resolution to this issue.”
College of Marin complies with all federal and state laws governing the privacy of student records including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as well as AB 540 and the California DREAM Act, which exempt undocumented and out-of-state students who completed high school in California from nonresident tuition. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure the success and safety of our students.
Sincerely,
David Wain Coon, Ed.D.