2020 - ECC commends U.S. Supreme Court ruling to continue DACA program

Elgin Community College President Dr. David Sam and District 509 Board of Trustees Chairwoman Dr. Donna Redmer applaud the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling, which, for now, blocks the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and provides protection against deportation for the more than 800,000 recipients who were brought to the United States as children on a quest to achieve the American dream.

ECC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, designated by the U.S. Department of Education, and champions an inclusive campus that is open to immigrants across the globe.

“We celebrate this decision and recognize these ‘Dreamers’ for their countless contributions to our communities as high-performing students, diligent workers, and local taxpayers,” Sam said. “The need to provide equity, access, and resources for all ECC students, including DACA and undocumented students that we proudly serve, has been of immense importance to ECC and our board of trustees for many years.”

In particular, the Supreme Court’s decision to continue the DACA program gives our students hope and underscores the position of the ECC board of trustees, which continues to publicly advocate on their behalf. This includes a 2018 resolution written by the board of trustees in support of a permanent resolution on the DACA program.

“Once again, we look to Congress, which has the enormous responsibility of acting quickly and definitively on a legislative resolution that will allow DACA-covered students to concentrate on their studies without fear and anxiety or insurmountable roadblocks to their success,” said Redmer. “We pledge to continue to advocate for DACA students as we foster an environment centered on fulfilling our mission ‘to improve people’s lives through learning.’”

ECC also lauds the U.S. Supreme Court for its ruling that protects the LGBTQ community from job discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

“While we praise these recent decisions, we acknowledge that there is more that can be done in the name of equity and justice for all,” Sam added. “Together, we will do our part to ensure that ECC is a place where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to reach their highest potential.”