Protecting Our Most Vulnerable Students Part 2

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you all for attending our AFT luncheons during professional development week and for expressing your concerns and support towards our most vulnerable student populations. We also want to thank you for participating in the panel discussion we put together to hear from Chancellor Greg Smith and other community leaders on the collective efforts taking place in support of our students.

As we mentioned, our Immigrant Student Support Committee (ISSC), has been organizing in support of our undocumented students and their families. Thanks to the leadership of Dream Center counselors, coordinators, and staff at our various campuses in SDCCD and GCCCD, our undocumented students have been receiving guidance and support as we navigate the most recent threats posed by the current administration. Our committee will continue to support these efforts at our various colleges, as well as educating our union members on what we can collectively and individually do in support of our students. With that in mind, and based on your various questions and requests, here are some of the most immediate recommendations we are making:

  • Watch this short video: take 3 minutes to watch this short video on UndocuJoy by poet Yosimar Reyes.
  • Support your Undocumented/Dream Center Counselors/Coordinators: we encourage you get to know and reach out to your campus’s Undocumented/Dream Center counselors and coordinators. Ask what you can do to support their efforts.
  • District Guidelines: familiarize yourself with your districts guidelines on how to respond to respond to immigration enforcement activities at your campus and to requests for student and employee immigration status (see documents attached)
  • Know Your Rights and Emergency Preparedness workshops and webinars: make an effort to attend information webinars and workshops promoted by your Dream Center counselors/coordinators and by your district (see SDCCD virtual workshop dates attached)
  • Syllabi: we would like to urge you to include the following item in your syllabi or at least in your initial communications with your students: “Our campus is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where every student, regardless of immigration status, is supported in their educational journey. We recognize that the current political climate may cause uncertainty and anxiety. Please know that regardless of these challenges, you are a valued and essential part of our academic community. We encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you on campus, including but not limited to counseling, legal assistance, financial support, and more. The Dreamers Resource Center and other support networks on our campus are available to assist with any concerns you may have during this time.”

We also encourage you to familiarize yourself with other resources such as Red Cards, that can be made available to students and immigrant families in preparation for a potential crisis such as detention and deportations (see also CFT Protecting Our Students Preparedness Check-List attached).

If you are looking to expand you understanding on immigration and undocumented communities in America, here are some suggested readings for your consideration:

Thank you all for keeping our Union strong and doing your part to support our immigrant students and communities.

In Solidarity,
Julio Soto, Chair
AFT Guild Immigrant Student Support Committee

 

Relevant Documents