Dear Pomona College Community,
I write to you with a heavy heart and great concern. Earlier this morning we learned that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded and will wind down over the next six months. During this period, the DACA program remains in effect.
Pomona stands united with all DACA and undocumented students. These young people contribute greatly, not only to our campus and our community, but to the entire nation. Their dreams and aspirations speak to the highest ideals of the United States. Now is the time to use the power of our voices unequivocally to state: a permanent path forward for these young people must be one of the highest priorities for leaders in Washington, D.C.
In light of this challenging development, the College is taking further steps to assist members of our community. The Dean of Students Office later today will share more information, including the availability of emergency legal assistance, which has been fully funded by philanthropy through the generosity of our Board of Trustees and other longtime supporters of the College. They have my deep and abiding thanks.
Pomona College has continued the work to support our students and will continue to monitor developments. Our community is one that cares deeply about the struggles of all its members, as well as for others outside our campus and across the world. I have seen the deep care and devotion Pomona shows in helping each other in times of need. We will rise to this challenge together.
Yours,
Gabrielle Starr