COD: We're Committed To Supporting DACA Students

PALM DESERT, CA - From College of the Desert: College of the Desert remains committed to serving all of its students and to providing them safe environments in which to gain a quality higher education.

The White House’s recent decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program doesn’t change the college’s long-term commitment to its students.

“These are our students. These are our friends. These are our neighbors. These are outstanding people who we interact with every day. They deserve nothing less than our respect and support,” said college Superintendent/President Joel L. Kinnamon, Ed.D.

“Every College of the Desert student of every background is here to learn and we are here to educate them. We will continue to encourage them to pursue their educational goals and we assure them that College of the Desert continues to be a safe and welcoming institution of higher learning for the success of 100 percent of its students,” he said.

Such assurance also comes from Eloy Ortiz Oakley, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges System of 114 colleges: “Although we are discouraged by the news, we remain committed to serving and supporting all students, regardless of immigration status, and seeing that they reach their full potential. We will stand with our students, and we will not give into fear.”

College of the Desert and the California Community Colleges System encourage DACA recipients to renew their DACA status by the Oct. 5 federal deadline. The students can seek $495 scholarships from the nonprofit Mission Asset Fund to aid them in their renewal efforts. The group is at www.LC4DACA.org

Students in the DACA program who have concerns or questions can visit the College of the Desert’s counseling office, which can provide them with guidance, support and additional helpful resources. A student club, Alas Con Futuro, also helps provide peer support and guidance.

Image via College of the Desert