Colorado University and College Presidents’ Statement on DACA Decision

Letter to our Colorado Communities: A Statement from the Colorado Department of Higher Education and Colleges and Universities on the U.S. Supreme Court’s DACA Decision

A year ago, all of us came together with colleges and universities from across the nation to join an amicus brief in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in the case before the Supreme Court. On Sept. 5, 2017, the federal executive administration rescinded DACA, an initiative that provides work permits and protection from deportation for more than 700,000 undocumented students, often known as “Dreamers.” Like many in the immigrant community, the presidents of Colorado’s public and private colleges and universities welcome the ruling from the Supreme Court.

We offer our unwavering support for our DACA and immigrant students and families. These students bring a tremendous amount of diversity to campuses across the nation, especially here in Colorado.

Our nation and institutions have invested in the success of these students and the continued existence of DACA is essential to ensure the career and life success of these immigrant youth. The triumph of DACA students is our triumph, whether ensuring robust graduates, injecting new perspectives and diversity into our campuses and communities, or expanding our nation’s tax base—our institutions stand behind DACA students and Dreamers.

Our students contribute much more to our communities than can be measured. Our DACA students have taught us what it means to dedicate oneself to your dreams and your community with determination and resolve. They remind us every single day what it means to continue to believe in the promise of the American dream and why we must do everything we can to defend it.

DACA recipients are American in every way; they built their lives here and contribute to our campuses, communities and our country’s economy daily. We believe it is vital to protect this vulnerable population when their futures are in question. Their home is here with their families, their classmates, their professors, and their communities. We will do everything we can to defend their rightful place in this country. We believe it is vital during such tumultuous times that we look to rebuild and reimagine an America that is more just and inclusive.

To our DACA students:

We stand shoulder to shoulder with you; we will rethink and reimagine what pathways to opportunity will look like. You are not alone.
We are committed to advocating for state and federal policies to provide permanent legislative solutions that honor the work and sacrifice of you and your families.
We are ready to support you on our campuses by making resources available to address mental health and well-being

We are pleased, for the sake of justice and equity, the Supreme Court recognizes the valuable contribution DACA recipients make to higher education in Colorado and the nation.

Sincerely,

Tim Alvarez, President, Otero College

Lance Bolton, President, Pikes Peak State College

Leah L. Bornstein, President, Aims Community College

Janine Davidson, President, Metropolitan State University of Denver

Philip P. DiStefano, Chancellor, University of Colorado Boulder

Stephanie Donner, Executive Director, Emily Griffith Technical College

Andy Dorsey, President, Front Range Community College

Diana Doyle, President, Arapahoe Community College

Donald Elliman, Jr., Chancellor, University of Colorado Anschutz

Rhonda Epper, President, Trinidad State Junior College

Patty Erjavec, President, Pueblo Community College