Dear Friends,

Students and colleagues who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are cherished and essential members of our Teachers College community, and we stand firm and united in our commitment to them and their families, and to the program as well.

We stand equally firm and committed in our fierce disagreement with last Friday’s federal judge’s ruling that the DACA program is “unlawful.” This misguided ruling will not affect current program recipients, and the Biden administration’s Justice Department will appeal the decision.

Security for all Dreamers will only come with the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act, and I have joined with business leaders and my fellow college and university presidents throughout the country to call on the Senate to pass the Dream Act of 2021 as soon as possible.

Nonetheless, we recognize the anxiety and distress that this ruling may raise within our community. We encourage those in need of support, services, or more information to visit Columbia University’s web page for DACA recipients and undocumented students. Those seeking emergency financial assistance should visit TC’s web page about the CARES Act. Those having difficulty securing federal funds can also apply for support from TC’s Wendy M. Dressel Student Emergency Fund. 

Students seeking support are encouraged to contact Tom Rock, Vice Provost for Student Affairs at tpr4@tc.columbia.edu or studentaffairs@tc.columbia.edu.

In community,
 

Thomas Bailey
President, Teachers College