September 5, 2017

Dear Members of the Connecticut College Community,

The White House announced today that it will rescind in coming months the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a program that provides opportunities for higher education and employment to nearly 800,000 immigrants who entered the United States without documentation as children. While there is hope that Congress might make appropriate legislative reforms during this delay, I recognize the considerable distress that this announcement is causing for some members of our community, and I want to reiterate my promise that the College will do all it can within the limits of the law to support and protect those who are directly or indirectly affected by this change.

Connecticut College strives to foster an environment free of discrimination and bias. We support all students in their educational pursuits regardless of citizenship or immigration status. We will continue to do so. Our deans are again assembling legal expertise, as they did last year, to help those who are impacted by the White House order. Staff in student counseling services are also ready to offer assistance. Several events have been planned for the coming week, which will allow the community to come together in solidarity. Deans Arcelus, McKnight, Singer, and Van Slyck will be sending a message shortly outlining these opportunities.

Last year, I was among 600 college and university presidents who urged the White House to allow our nation's dreamers to continue to live, work, and study in the United States. We remain steadfast in our support, and we will continue to prevail on our lawmakers to seek a permanent solution. In the meantime, Connecticut College is committed to doing all we legally can to ensure that every student on our own campus has the opportunity to participate fully in the benefits of this exceptional education — both now and in the future.

Yours,
 
Katherine Bergeron
President