Dear SDCCE Community:

This afternoon, I had the opportunity to attend the “How To Protect Our Most Vulnerable Students Panel” hosted by the AFT Guild, Local 1931 featuring SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith, Alliance SD Executive Image Director Andrea Guerrero, ACLU Sr. Policy Advocate Felicia Gomez, and SD City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC). During this panel discussion, Chancellor Smith shared that “now is the time we focus on our values” and I want to reiterate that at San Diego College of Continuing Education, we value and are deeply committed to supporting every member of our community. We understand that recent executive orders, discussions, and decisions around immigration enforcement may be causing uncertainty and fear, and we want to reassure you that we are here for you.

As an Afro-Latina woman leading this institution, I recognize how important it is to create a safe and supportive space where all students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators can thrive, regardless of their immigration status or identities. I want you to know that we are taking thoughtful and intentional action to address these concerns.

Here are some steps we are taking to support you:

1. Campus Safety Protocols:

If you have questions or concerns about immigration enforcement, we have an

administration procedure that is being amended to outline the process. If someone asks for confidential information about your or another individual's immigration status, do not share this information. Please reach out to your department dean right away. The dean will contact the division Vice President, who will bring it to the President’s attention. The President will then contact the Chancellor’s Office or General Counsel who are solely handling all immigration enforcement issues.

I encourage you to review Administrative Procedure AP 3415, which outlines our campus safety protocols. As we continue to navigate the executive orders from the new Presidential Administration, the Chancellor’s Office will provide further updates. Rest assured, you can expect clear guidance from our Chancellor as more information becomes available. Chancellor Smith will soon send out communication outlining how to respond if federal agents or other law enforcement officers come to campus.

Please note that AP 3415 will be revised to clarify that only two individuals are authorized to provide information or access to colleges and communicate with government agencies. These individuals are Chancellor Gregory Smith and our SDCCD General Counsel.

2. Know Your Rights Taskforce:

We are creating a Know Your Rights Taskforce made up of constituents to support anyone affected by immigration concerns. This group is here to compile and provide resources, help, and guidance if you need it. We will be creating a “Know Your Rights” webpage, where all information will be updated and archived for your review.

3. Confidential Student Support:

Our Be WELL CCE counseling services are available to you in a safe, confidential space where you can talk about any concerns you have, including immigration issues.

Another student resource is the Immigrant-Based Support Program (ISP) which can be reached at: sdcceimmigrantsupport@sdccd.edu.

4. Confidential Employee Support:

Please utilize the district's Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) if you need support navigating through this time.

Additionally, we are providing training for employees so they can better understand the challenges faced by immigrant students and their families.

This work is deeply personal to me. It reflects the values of this institution and my belief in education’s ability to transform lives and communities. We are here for you, and the leadership team will continue to assess and share updates as needed. We are also focusing on our own ability to BE WELL, so we are prepared to navigate these challenging times together, with strength, hope, and a commitment to justice.

Best,