UC responds to possible changes in federal immigration policies

Dear Campus Community:

The day after the presidential election, the 10 University of California chancellors and UC President Janet Napolitano issued a statement to underscore their unwavering support for all members of our community in accord with the UC’s Principles Against Intolerance. As the principles make clear, the university “strives to foster an environment in which all are included” and “all are given an equal opportunity to learn and explore” free of harassment based on immigration status, racial/ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, or political views.
 
Particularly since the election, there have been disturbing reports from across the nation of intimidation, harassment, and, in some cases, violence against individuals and targeted groups. If this has happened to you, or if you have witnessed such incidents, we encourage you to file a report with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department [emergency phone: 911, phone: 831-459-2231, email: police@ucsc.edu, website: http://police.ucsc.edu] or through the hate/bias reporting site so that these incidents can be thoroughly investigated. Other campus resources include: Undocumented Student Services, located within the Educational Opportunity Programs office, Immigration Legal Service Resources, and Counseling and Psychological Services.
 
Many of our students have expressed uncertainty and fear over possible changes to federal immigration policies that may directly affect them and/or their families, as well as the university as a whole. To address this issue, President Napolitano has convened a working group to develop the best and most effective responses by UC to possible changes to federal immigration policies under the incoming administration. The unequivocal goal of these efforts is to protect all members of our community and ensure their continued success at the university. The working group is moving quickly, and we will keep you posted about its efforts.

In the meantime, let us continue our interactions with one another in the spirit of respect and cooperation. As noted in the Principles Against Intolerance, “(we are) best served when members of the university community collaborate to foster an equal learning environment for all, in which all members of the community are welcomed and confident of their physical safety.”