In light of fears and uncertainties about the future of undocumented immigrant students under a Trump presidency, the San Diego Community College District issued a statement Nov. 10. The letter clarified its commitment to full access for all students to the educational opportunities available in the community college system. It was signed by Chancellor Constance M. Carroll and all of the district college presidents. The text of the letter follows:
Dear Students:
Following Tuesday’s national election, students have been contacting us to express their concerns, uncertainty, and anxiety regarding the policies supporting their education. Given the divisive political climate and the intense media speculation about what lies ahead, these concerns are understandable. It will take some time before all the details of the nation’s leadership transition are determined.
In the meantime, we want you to know that City, Mesa, and Miramar Colleges, Continuing Education, and the entire San Diego Community College District remain committed to our mission of inclusion and support for the great diversity of our student population. As public institutions of higher education, we will continue our work to ensure that all students have full access to our institutions, as well as to the support needed for you to succeed in your studies.
The San Diego Community College District is also deeply committed to protecting the rights of our undocumented students to attend our institutions and receive state aid under the provisions of AB 540, enacted in 2001, and the California Dream Act, signed into law in 2011. These laws allow undocumented students to be exempt from non-resident tuition, and receive private scholarships and state financial aid, including community college fee waivers (BOGW), and Cal Grants.
For more information go to website: http://www.csac.ca.gov/pubs/forms/grnt_frm/cal_grant_dream_act_faqs.pdf
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our entire leadership and governance team of faculty, administrators, and staff, we want to assure you that we will do our best to support you in the coming months and years. We are proud to serve you as our students and we will do everything in our power to ensure your success.
Constance M. Carroll, Ph.D., Chancellor, San Diego Community College District
Denise S. Whisenhunt, J.D., Interim President, San Diego City College
Pamela Luster, Ed.D., President, San Diego Mesa College
Patricia Hsieh, Ed.D., President, San Diego Miramar College
Carlos O. Turner Cortez, Ph.D. President, San Diego Continuing Education
