Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos and other university leaders opposed the decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program today and reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting its students regardless of their immigration status, citizenship or nationality.
“Ending DACA is a mistake,” Zeppos said in a statement. “Without an alternative in place, it closes the door to young student scholars and leaders raised and educated in the United States and cuts short their potential to contribute to their communities and our national economy. We urge and stand ready to support swift enactment of legislation, such as the BRIDGE Act, that allows these young people to reach their dreams in the only nation they’ve ever called home.
“Our mission of teaching and discovery demands a vibrant academic environment supported by a culture of curiosity, diversity, access and inclusion. To that end, we will continue to support and embrace our students regardless of immigration status, citizenship or nationality.”
In letters to the student body and faculty and Academic Affairs staff, Provost Susan R. Wente and Dean of Students Mark Bandas directed students who may be affected by today’s announcement to a number of campus resources serving international students, including the Office of Inclusion Initiatives and Cultural Competence, International Student Services and the Provost’s website for international students, as well as additional resources provided by the local immigration advocacy organization Conexión Américas.
Additionally, Vanderbilt Law School announced that it will be offering an academic panel on DACA Sept. 15th. More details will be forthcoming soon.