by Stephen Percy
June 18th 2020
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Dear Campus Community,
The U.S. Supreme Court decision today striking down President Trump’s executive order to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is a historic victory for our “Dreamers” at Portland State University and more than 700,000 young people across the nation.
The 5-4 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts enables DACA students to continue their academic journey at PSU and elsewhere without fear of deportation.
The ruling also is an opportunity to reaffirm PSU’s commitment to our DACA students and their families. We provide academic, cultural and social support to Dreamers through an array of programs and services such as Multicultural Retention Services that includes Latino Student Services, and the Cultural Resources Centers, which include La Casa Latina, Student Legal Services and others.
It’s also a reminder that under Oregon law, qualified undocumented residents are eligible to attend PSU and other public universities across the state with in-state tuition and receive financial assistance.
I also want to reaffirm that PSU is a sanctuary — a safe place — for all of our students. The Campus Public Safety Office does not enforce federal immigration laws, we will not consent to immigration enforcement activities on campus and we protect confidential student information, such as immigration status, as required by law.
As vital members of our PSU family, we will continue to do everything we can to support DACA students in their efforts toward obtaining a PSU degree. We want all of our students to feel welcome regardless of their national origin or immigration status.
Sincerely,
Stephen Percy