Undocumented Students Get Spotlight: Chabot, Las Positas Colleges

LIVERMORE, CA — The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District has joined community colleges across the state for "Undocumented Student Action Week," October 14-18, to advocate and provide support services for undocumented students, it was announced Monday.

Several events are scheduled this week on both the Chabot and Las Positas campuses to support undocumented students (see events below).

"Since President Donald Trump's 2017 announcement to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the status and safety of undocumented students on campuses has been uncertain," the district said in a statement. "Lack of action by Congress on DACA and American Dream and Promise Act (H.R.6), as well as recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detentions have only exasperated the problem and caused fear among the undocumented student population.

"As the largest post-secondary education system in the nation and serving the largest number of undocumented students within the state, California Community Colleges are committed to serving all students, regardless of immigration status," the announcement continued. "When undocumented young people are able to pursue education and careers, they can create new, brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities."

The district's interim chancellor, Ronald P. Gerhard, student safety at both the Hayward and Livermore campuses is a primary concern.

"When students are consumed by outside influences, it affects their studies," he said. "We want all students to know Chabot and Las Positas Colleges remain a welcoming safe haven for students of all backgrounds to learn. As such, our Board of Trustees will sign a resolution on Tuesday reaffirming our commitment to support our undocumented students."

Events scheduled this week at Chabot College:

Monday, October 14
12 p.m. at the Event Center
Dr. Alberto Ledesma
Ledesma grew up in East Oakland and graduated from UC Berkeley, where he earned a Ph.D. Ledesma is the author of "Diary of A Reluctant Dreamer." He's the graduate diversity director for Arts & Humanities at UC Berkeley.

Tuesday, October 15
11:30 a.m., Room 455
Know Your Rights Workshop
Everyone has basic rights under the U.S. constitution, regardless of their immigration
status. This presentation from the International Institute of the Bay Area explains your rights and how to exercise them.

Wednesday, October 16
12 p.m., Room 758
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Learn more about the transfer application process and scholarships. Information will be catered to supporting undocumented students through the transfer process.

Thursday, October 17
6 p.m., Room 3902
Movie Night: Living Undocumented
Watch the Selena Gomez-produced "Living Undocumented" series. Popcorn will be provided.

Chabot College is located at 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward.

Events scheduled this week at Las Positas College:

Monday, October 14
11 a.m., Library, Study Room E
Webinar: Campus Support for Dream Centers

2 p.m., Library, Study Room E
Webinar: Paying for College

2 p.m., Transfer Center
California Dream Act application: Financial Aid Workshop

Tuesday, October 15
11 a.m., Library, Study Room E
Webinar: Connecting Students to Resources

11:30 a.m., Quad
Mental Health Tabling

12:30 p.m., Quad
Food of Las Americas

2 p.m., Library, Study Room E
Webinar: Legal Support

Wednesday, October 16
10:30 a.m., Quad
Voter Registration Drive

11 a.m., Quad
Tabling with staff from Congressman Eric Swalwell's office

11 a.m., Library, Study Room E
Webinar: Funding for Undocumented Student Programming

2 p.m., Library, Study Room E
Webinar: The UndocuHustle

Thursday, October 17
11 a.m., Library, Study Room E
Webinar: Creating Safe Spaces on Campus

1:30 p.m., Learning Communities Center, Room. 1018
Know Your Rights Workshop

2 p.m. Library, Study Room E
Webinar: Demystifying Fear and Building Resilience

2 p.m., Transfer Center
California Dream Act Application: Financial Aid Workshop

Las Positas College is located at 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore.

Undocumented students, allies, faculty, staff and community members are welcomed to attend this week's events, according to the announcement.