Cypress College Committed to Students Following DACA Decision

Dear Cypress College Community,

Today, the White House announced its decision to end the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The announcement that DACA protections will expire next March does nothing to diminish Cypress College’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment that is free of discrimination.

While details continue to emerge, we hope that by sharing facts, we can reduce the anxiety some in our community may be feeling.

The college remains committed to the following:

  • Our college remains a welcoming place to all students who meet our admission requirements.
  • The “unwinding” of DACA does not impact a student’s ability to attend a California community college, qualify for an exemption from non-resident tuition fees under AB 540, or to apply for financial aid under the provisions of the California Dream Act.
  • The college ensures that students’ confidential information will remain private and inaccessible to everyone, including law enforcement, except through judicial orders. We take seriously our legal obligation to enact these protections granted as part of the Federal Educational Records Protection Act.
  • Current DACA recipients will retain both the full period of deferred action they have already been granted until they expire — even if it extends beyond the DACA expiration date announced by the White House.
  • Cypress College, the North Orange County Community College District, and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office are working together to ensure the protection of our students’ rights.

I am proud of the work we do here at Cypress College, and of our commitment to ensuring our students have a safe and supportive environment in which to learn. We are focused on providing a premier educational environment to help our students build better futures for themselves and their families. We are committed to exploring avenues to help address the needs and concerns of our students. Likewise, we will continue to ensure our DACA students and their families understand their rights and how today’s announcement may affect them.

Sincerely,

JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D.
President, Cypress College

 

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Note: Cypress College has prepared a comprehensive list of resources for students impacted by the DACA decision.

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