Statement in Support of DACA
As the U.S. Supreme Court considers the Administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, we reaffirm our solidarity with Dreamers, who have been raised and educated in the U.S. and are part of our national fabric.
The New School is unwavering in its commitment to provide an open, safe, and inclusive academic environment to a globally diverse community. This includes those at The New School who are undocumented or hold DACA status. These students are and will continue to remain a significant and valued part of our community, and we will do everything possible to ensure that they have the access and support they need to succeed.
We reinforce our pledge, supported by the Board of Trustees, that The New School will not disclose any person’s citizenship or immigration status, nor will we cooperate with immigration authorities on related issues unless forced to by a court order or warrant.
We have partnered with other colleges and universities to strongly advocate for the preservation of the qualities that have shaped our university and strengthened the nation. Last month, in a letter to New York State Congressional delegates, The New School came together with other leaders of New York colleges and universities to express serious concerns about increased barriers in attracting and retaining international students, faculty, and scholars. We joined with 165 other universities around the country in an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to protect DACA. Most recently, Rachel Schreiber, Executive Dean of Parsons, co-authored an OpEd that discusses the vital role DACA plays in the foundational promise of our country.
Many other members of the university community are working in different ways to address aspects of these important issues and how they connect to our academic mission—through research, programs, and projects. One example is the Sanctuary Working Group, a collective effort to improve our institutional structures and reflect our commitment to social justice, including equal opportunity for students with precarious immigration status and advocacy for resources and support, within and beyond the university.
Our staff in Student Success will continue to provide information and resources for students, including information about free or low-cost legal consultations. Students seeking help or referrals to internal or external resources should contact Shondrika Merritt, Senior Director for Student Advocacy and Assistant Dean of Students, at merritts@newschool.edu, 646.909.8302. These conversations will remain private, consistent with our pledge not to disclose this information to immigration authorities.
The New School’s extensive international community is among our greatest strengths. We will continue to work to ensure that this important aspect of our intellectual and creative mission remains vibrant.