Whitman Signs Statement in Support of DACA as Supreme Court Considers Case

Whitman has joined 164 other colleges and universities across the nation in signing an amicus ("friend of the court") brief in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as the case heads to the highest court in the land. 

President Kathleen Murray stated that Whitman remains committed to providing a quality education and supportive community for all students regardless of their immigration status. Signing this brief constitutes another way to "demonstrate our unwavering support for our DACA and immigrant students," she said.  

In September 2017, the Trump administration rescinded DACA, an initiative that offers work permits and protection from deportation for roughly 700,000 young undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers. Oral arguments are slated to begin Nov. 12.

"We value every student and it is my sincere hope that all students, regardless of citizenship, will have the opportunity to continue to learn, live and contribute to our community," Murray said. "Without them, we would not be the same."

Coordinated by the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the statement, issued Oct. 4, argues, "DACA recipients are American in every way; they built their lives here and contribute to our campuses, communities and our country's economy every day."

Resources for undocumented students are available on Whitman's website. Students with questions or concerns related to immigration status are encouraged to contact Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Thomas Witherspoon.