Response to DACA decision
A letter expressing distress over President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
September 5, 2017
Dear members of the Mount Holyoke College community,
It is with deep disappointment and distress that Mount Holyoke College received today’s announcement of President Trump’s abhorrent decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The 800,000 or so DACA students currently in the United States have strong, national, bipartisan support, and it is clear that Congress has the authority, if it has the will, to act decisively to resolve concerns around the program, to provide permanent protections to participants, and so to end their uncertainty and fear.
We will urge our elected officials in Congress to support DACA, work to understand the full implications of today’s announcement and provide appropriate advice and assurances, and continue to offer support to any of our students affected by this decision.
On this day, when we welcome a diverse group of 2,200 students, we stand committed to our values and ideals, as well as to previous statements we have made regarding our position on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Sonya Stephens
Acting President