In response to President Donald Trump’s recent decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has declared October 16-20 DACA Advocacy Week. DACA Advocacy Week is intended to encourage local advocacy in support of DACA and the over 200,000 young people in California impacted by the decision to rescind the program.
In the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, along with San Diego Continuing Education, will participate in DACA Advocacy Week by hosting several workshops and informational events, which are free and open to the public:
Thursday, October 12:
San Diego Continuing Education’s ASB is hosting a free movie screening of Don’t Tell Anyone No Le Digas a Nadie bringing a story of one young woman’s struggle as an undocumented youth. The movie will be shown at Noon at the Educational Cultural Complex, Room 169. Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego 92113.
San Diego Continuing Education is holding DACA information sessions Oct. 12, 18, and 25 at 2 p.m. Room 103 at the Cesar E. Chavez Campus in Barrio Logan. An informative session is planned and resources will be shared for those who attend. For further information, contact Maureen Rubalcaba at (619) 388-4894. Cesar E. Chavez Campus, 1901 Main St., San Diego, 92113.
Friday, October 13:
San Diego Mesa College will host a DACA Information Session, 12:30 – 1:30 pm, I4-207. Casa Cornelia attorney will provide information and answer question regarding DACA. San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego, 92111.
San Diego City College’s Student Affairs, ASG, and ICC will host a Campus Civility Training Workshop for Student Leaders from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in MS 140. San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101.
Monday, October 16:
San Diego Mesa College students who are protected under DACA will share their stories with the campus community during a panel discussion titled Nuestras Voces (Our Voices) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the AVANZA Engagement Center (I-400). San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego, 92111.
San Diego Miramar College is holding a workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. in K1-302. In addition, counselor Randy Claros has been designated the Miramar College DACA adviser. He can be reached at (619) 388-7840 or rclaros@sdccd.edu. San Diego Miramar College, H-105, 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, 92126.
Tuesday, October 17:
San Diego Mesa College will hold a DACA Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in I4-408. Students with DACA status can learn about various programs, such as Student Health Services, Borderless Scholars, RISE and Associated Student Government, in addition to financial aid. San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego, 92111
Wednesday, October 18:
San Diego Mesa College presents a How Can You Support DACA Students Information event in which students, faculty, and staff can learn how they can assist DACA recipients. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the AVANZA Engagement Center (I-400). San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego, 92111.
Thursday, October 19:
San Diego City College’s Campus Mental Health is sponsoring the event Creating A Safe Space for Your Mind to assist those affected by the current uncertainty from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the AH/BT Quad. San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101.
San Diego City College Peer counselors and others will be available from10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the AH/BT Quad throughout the week to answer questions and direct those with questions to available resources. San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101.
Nuestras Voces (Our Voices). A San Diego Mesa College panel comprising administrators, faculty, and staff will lead a discussion in which those who were once undocumented can share their stories. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the AVANZA Engagement Center (I-400). San Diego Mesa College, 7250 Mesa College Drive, San Diego, 92111.
The San Diego City College Student Services Council is sponsoring a How to Support Undocumented Students Workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. in V101. San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101.
“The San Diego Community College District is committed to providing every one of our students access to a quality education, and the SDCCD, its colleges, and Continuing Education will continue to provide information, including workshops and other academic support, for DACA students and the larger community to keep them informed about their options,” said Lynn Neault, the district’s vice chancellor of student services.
On September 14, the SDCCD’s Board of Trustees adopted a resolution expressing its disagreement and deep concern regarding the decision to terminate the DACA program, reaffirming the SDCCD's values and procedural support for all students. The resolution also urges Congress to extend the DACA program and make it permanent. The district has committed to not release any personally identifiable student information related to immigration status without a judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order, unless authorized by the student or required by law. In addition, the district has long had a policy against assisting federal immigration officials with immigration enforcement, and college police are directed to request federal immigration officials to cease any activity on campus that has or appears likely to cause a disturbance, interferes with regular campus activities, or has or appears likely to result in harm to persons or property otherwise lawfully present on campus.
As the second-largest of California’s 72 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 100,000 students annually through three two-year colleges and San Diego Continuing Education. The three colleges, San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College, offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and entry-level jobs. Mesa College also offers a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. Continuing Education offers noncredit adult education at seven campuses throughout San Diego.
Photo Caption: San Diego Mesa College students at a recent protest in support of DACA students.
Jack Beresford
Director, Communications and Public Relations
San Diego Community College District
3375 Camino del Rio South, Suite 335
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 388-6540 office