Joint Resolution Regarding Immigration and Campus Climate
Whereas, in accordance with the spirit of Education Code Section 66010, the Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to ensuring that College of the Canyons is an open access education institution that is committed to helping all students achieve their educational goals in order to improve their lives; and
Whereas, College of the Canyons embraces members of the college community irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, abilities; and
Whereas, College of the Canyons serves students who are undocumented immigrants, many of whom are experiencing uncertainty over their access to education given the current national dialog on immigration; and
Whereas, the college supports the concepts expressed by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges in their resolution related toDeferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); and
Whereas, the college is committed to serving undocumented students under the provisions contained in AB 540, which allows undocumented students in California to seek an exemption from paying nonresident tuition if they attend a California high school for three or more years, graduate from a California high school, and file an affidavit with a college or university stating that he/she will apply for legal residency assoon as possible; and
Whereas, the college will not release any personally identifiable student information related to immigration status without a judicial warrant, subpoena or court order, unless authorized by the student or required by law; and
Whereas, a vibrant spirit of academic inquiry requiresa variety of perspectives and the college has an obligation to ensure that allviewpoints are able to be heard regarding the issues facing us as educators, students, and citizens; and
Whereas, the state's growing economy benefits from the contributions made by immigrants who work in keyindustries such as agriculture, science, technology, service, health care and manufacturing; and
Whereas, the college welcomes international students, and recognizes their important contributions to the academic and cultural life of the college,
Now Therefore Be it Resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Santa Clarita Community College District re-affirms the college’s ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for all students, and remains unequivocally committed to serving all students who can benefit from the programs and services offered on its campuses, with no regard for differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, and abilities.
Adopted and signed this 12th day of April 2017.