Students discuss COD policies supporting undocumented protections
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - New policies to protect undocumented students at College of the Desert.
This comes after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved two administrative procedures and a Board resolution on March 21. The Board says this action reaffirms their commitment to all students and their access to an education.
Val Garcia, COD Superintendent President, says this is a response to the current political climate, which has impacted student attendance.
“We have students that are fearful for their education, able to travel freely on campus... We’ve seen a drop off, especially in the beginning of the year from our students who are in our ESL program and we had to do something to turn around the tide.”
Val Garcia, COD Superintendent President
Key provisions include:
- Directing all law enforcement inquiries to Public Safety
- Requiring valid judicial warrants for the release of any student information
- Prohibiting inquiries about immigration status during admissions or enrollment
- Establishing clear protocols for supporting students impacted by immigration actions
- Maintaining support services through the Dreamers Resource Center
College officials say the policies align with California state law.
Students at COD's Dreamer Resource Center say they're glad to see the support, which will help create a safe space for undocumented students to focus on their studies without worry.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
