Board Resolution on Diversity, Undocumenteds

February 15, 2017

The Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution at its Tuesday night meeting in support of undocumented students and the benefits of diversity to LTCC’s campus and beyond. This resolution follows the release of a Statement on Diversity from LTCC’s new Superintendent/President, Jeff DeFranco, published in the wake of White House changes to immigration policy. Here is the full text of the Board’s resolution:

WHEREAS, Lake Tahoe Community College is committed to serving all students who can benefit from a post-secondary education, without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, age, gender, language, socio-economic status, gender identity or expression, medical condition or disability; and

WHEREAS, California’s diversity is a great source of innovation and industry, making this state one of the largest economies in the world and an economic engine for the United States; and

WHEREAS, great uncertainty exists around what specific immigration and education policies will be pursued by the current administration, and immigrants and other populations on our campus are fearful of policies that may result in deportation or forced registration based on religion; and

WHEREAS, over the past several weeks, Lake Tahoe Community College has reassured its students, faculty and staff that our campus will remain a safe, welcoming place for students of all backgrounds to learn; informed them that there have been no changes made with regard to admissions or financial aid; informed students that financial aid for certain undocumented students is protected by state law; and joined with the University of California, the California State University and the California Community Colleges to defend the right of all students to obtain a higher education in California; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that Lake Tahoe Community College’s campus will remain open, safe and welcoming to all students who meet the minimum requirements for admission, regardless of immigration status, and that financial aid remains available to certain undocumented students in alignment with State regulations and local policy; and be it further

RESOLVED that Lake Tahoe Community College urges the new administration to continue the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which grants “Dreamers” – people brought to this country as children by their parents – reprieve from deportation because California and the United States are both stronger due to their contributions to our economy and to our communities; and be it further

RESOLVED that Lake Tahoe Community College will not release any student information related to immigration status without a judicial warrant, subpoena or court order, unless authorized by the student or required by law; and be it further

RESOLVED that Lake Tahoe Community College will not cooperate with any efforts to create a student registry based on any protected characteristics such as religion, national origin, race, or sexual orientation; and be it further

RESOLVED that Lake Tahoe Community College will continue to ensure that all students have an opportunity to receive an education on our campus, regardless of immigration status orany other protected status; and be it further

RESOLVED that Lake Tahoe Community College will join the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the Chancellor’s Office in vigorously advocating to protect our students and our college’s values.

DeFranco’s Statement on Diversity, published in both English and Spanish, was released shortly after the White House issued an executive order regarding changes to immigration policy. The statement read in part, “Lake Tahoe Community College stands with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and its Board of Governors in strongly supporting the values and benefits of diversity and inclusion; not just on college campuses, but in towns and cities large and small across the country. The current White House administration’s recent executive orders regarding immigration, the building of a border wall, and its rhetoric regarding Dream Act students has caused widespread concern among California’s community college students. LTCC is and always has been deeply committed to the security of all its students, and to ensuring that a safe environment is available to everyone who relies on the college to better their lives.”

LTCC is working with several community organizations to host events on campus where legal information and advice will be shared with students who are experiencing confusion and fear due to their immigration status. More information about these efforts will be forthcoming. For more information about LTCC’s position on immigration and Dreamer students, please contact the Superintendent/President’s Office at (530) 541-4660 ext. 210.