President Ditzler’s Remarks on DACA Policy

September 5, 2017

In a campus-wide email, Albion College President Mauri Ditzler remarked on today’s news pertaining to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) federal immigration policy.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

This morning Attorney General Sessions announced that the program known as DACA is being rescinded. He also announced a window in which Congress can enact elements of the program.

In the coming weeks we will have an opportunity to debate the arguments advanced by the Attorney General. We will also discuss ways we can impact the legislative process. Those are important conversations and we will get to them soon.

But, today our focus should be on those students who are directly impacted. If you are a DACA student, please know that Albion College is committed to “fostering an environment of respect, acceptance, appreciation, and caring for all members of our community” (Diversity Statement). I am asking all members of the community to fulfill this pledge. This is a time for compassion and empathy even as we plan for effective action in the near future.

Mauri Ditzler,
President

UPDATE, September 8: President Ditzler signed a statement originating from Pomona College and endorsed a statement from the Great Lakes Colleges Association in support of the DACA program.