Editor’s note: The following message was emailed to all students, faculty and staff on Sept. 5, 2017. California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White shared a message on the same topic with the CSU community. Five of the state’s top educational leaders shared a message with California’s congressional delegation.

Dear campus community,

The phase out of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program just announced by the attorney general will impact many members of our community—those with DACA status as well as the many who work, live, and learn alongside them—while heightening fear and anxiety.

As I previously have observed, ensuring access to a quality education is neither a partisan nor political issue; it is our mission. Since its adoption in 2012, DACA has provided stability and opportunity to many students and some of the faculty and staff members who serve them. Every one of these individuals is intrinsic to the fabric of our uniquely diverse community. Viewed through this lens, today’s news is deeply disappointing.

It would be imprudent of me to speculate about the scope or speed of changes that may be coming our way. But I want to offer this assurance: my administration stands with the leadership of the California State University (CSU) in its unwavering commitment to DACA students.

Some students who may be affected by changes to DACA also receive state financial aid under AB 540. That support is not affected by today’s action.

I also want to assure you that I will lend my voice and influence, as I have been doing, to urging that all of our students continue to enjoy the freedom, safety and security to lift themselves and their communities through the pursuit of knowledge.

In the meantime, we are continuing to collaborate with student organizations and other campus partners to ensure that emotional, academic and other forms of support are available to students and who need them.

The CSU has created and is continuing to update an FAQ with updates on many DACA-related issues. As new information becomes available, we will be sure to share it.

Mary A. Papazian
President