Connecticut College calls for continuation of DACA program

Connecticut College President Katherine Bergeron, along with more than 400 college and university presidents, signed a statement calling for the continuation and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. 

The program, authorized by President Barack Obama by executive action, has seen more than 700,000 young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children register with the federal government in exchange for temporary relief from the possibility of deportation and a two-year renewable work permit.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has said he would end the DACA program.

Pomona College President David Oxtoby organized the statement signed by the college presidents.

Bergeron’s signing comes on the heels of a letter she wrote to members of the Connecticut College Community, reaffirming that Conn “remains steadfast in its support for our undocumented and DACA-status students—and for all students whose status might be threatened under the policies of a new administration.”

Bergeron wrote that the College “will use all available means to protect the rights of our students to participate fully in the benefits of a Connecticut College education—both now and in the future.

“This promise is in keeping with our deepest values as an institution founded on the principles of equity and access.”

Bergeron sent a follow-up letter to the community Dec. 1 outlining the various steps the College is taking to support undocumented and DACA students and reaffirming the College's commitment to making the campus a sanctuary for undocumented students and all members of the community.

"In my conversations with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees in the past two weeks I have been moved by the level of compassion shown by so many," Bergeron wrote. "I have also been moved by the very real fear and anxiety that members of our community have been experiencing. It is clear that none of us knows what lies ahead. But it is important for us, in the face of this uncertainty, to remind ourselves every day of what we stand for as a community, to remain steadfast in our shared values, and to continue to stand up for what is right."



November 23, 2016