Statement Reaffirming Support for Undocumented Students

A Message from Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery

It has been announced by the federal government that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to conduct immigration raids starting Sunday, July 14, 2019.  This message is being sent to underscore that Santa Monica College (SMC) continues to support our undocumented students. At SMC, we are dedicated to serving DREAMer students with the goal of helping them achieve a better life and fulfill their aspirations through education; the college will support students through its programs and through engagement with staff.  The SMC DREAM Program (smc.edu/DREAM) including the SMC Undocumented Ally Program works actively to embody the college’s commitment to providing academic support, education, and resources to undocumented students.  Anyone who might be affected by this latest development is strongly urged to read the message on the SMC DREAM Program’s website, which also includes resources undocumented students may access during this difficult, distressing time. In addition, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has a webpage with resources specifically for undocumented students available here.

In reaffirming support of our undocumented students—and as previously affirmed by the SMC Board of Trustees in a January 17, 2017 resolution (PDF)—SMC joins the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (see letter from Chancellor Eloy Oakley on Twitter), other community colleges and institutions of higher education in reaffirming the commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible education in a safe environment to ALL students enrolled at SMC, regardless of immigration status, family structure, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, gender identity, or marital status.  SMC will assist undocumented students to the fullest extent possible.