Statement on the Rescinding of DACA

Dear GSU Community,

This morning Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), initiated by President Obama’s Executive Order in 2012. Today’s announcement delays the rescission for six months to give Congress time to remedy the situation. Many Illinois Congressional leaders have already been taking an active role to protect DACA students and others who were brought to this nation as children and are now contributing valuably to this democratic society. I urge the GSU community to contact U. S. lawmakers with a message to act promptly to set things right. Let me say clearly that Governors State University will do all in our power to protect DREAMERS.

In 2016, I joined more than 450 other college and university presidents in signing a statement supporting DACA and undocumented immigrant students, and I stand by that statement today. Our public square is open. We welcome all and will advocate for and protect your right to education. As a member of the Board of Directors of the American Council for Education (ACE), I vow to continue this fight, both at Governors State and at the national level.

As we persevere across this political landscape, we offer all students support. Our Student Counseling Center is open to you. If you need legal help, GSU4U has created a bridge between our campus community and many social service agencies, including legal aid.

Unity, respect, and compassion are antidotes to divisiveness.