By Sheena Hutchinson
Staff Writer
A resolution supporting undocumented students on campus in the face of the U.S. president-elect’s deportation plan passed 38-0 with one abstention at the Academic Senate meeting on Nov. 30.
Academic Sen. Charles E. Thomas mentioned that everyone must do their part and engage in the discussion of how to better serve the undocumented student population at Dominguez Hills, whether they’re students, faculty or staff.
The resolution called for the Academic Senate’s support in guaranteed student privacy, refusal to comply with immigration authorities and I.C.E (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), provided healthcare for those whose lack of documentation stops them from receiving healthcare, housing for students in fear of returning home due to deportation, and provided legal clinics.
Thomas urged the other senators to vote in favor of this resolution because of the fear expressed by many undocumented students based on the president-elect’s policies, and a recent hate crime incident on campus.
The resolution proposes that CSUDH assign a specific office and staff to assist DACA (Deferred Action for Child Arrivals) students. In the event that DACA is reversed, the resolution proposes continued funding and financial aid for these students along with increased encouragement from Dominguez Hills.
CSUDH President Willie J. Hagan responded with support but realism.
“I support everything in this resolution, [especially] health insurance for nondocumented students,” Hagan said. “However there are things such as files, documents that the government has control over.”
Many other senators echoed Thomas, calling for the campus community to protect these students in any way possible.
This conversation at the Academic Senate meeting was reflected at “Speakout Monday,” sponsored by Labor Studies and the California Faculty Association. This provided the opportunity for students, staff and faculty to express their feelings on this issue and share ways to prepare for what’s at stake when the president-elect takes office.
Held on the East Walkway on Dec. 5, “Speakout Monday” also provided information on the experience of an undocumented student and what the campus can do to help.
