Ohio University among 800 colleges to urge Congressional support of Dreamers
Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis has joined presidents and chancellors of nearly 800 colleges and universities across the nation as a co-signer on a letter directed to Congressional leaders, urging them to take legislative action to protect immigrants after President Donald Trump announced a repeal of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in September.
The letter, addressed to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, was coordinated by the American Council on Education (ACE) on behalf of the Protect Dreamers Higher Education Coalition.
The letter begins, “On behalf of the undersigned colleges and universities, we urge you to take the action that President Trump requested when he rescinded the DACA policy, and pass a long-term legislative fix as soon as possible to protect Dreamers, outstanding young people brought to our country as children.”
The ACE letter was designed to echo a similar plea made by nearly 800 U.S. business and industry leaders on Sept. 20.
“Colleges and universities have seen these remarkable people up close, in our classrooms and as our colleagues and friends,” the letter said.
In addition to working with the American Council on Education, Ohio University has engaged students, faculty and staff to discuss concerns, share resources and provide support in support in the wake of the DACA announcement.
Ohio University has been advocating for DACA students since last fall – writing letters to its Congressional delegation, joining more than 600 colleges and universities across the nation as signatories on a statement calling for the DACA program to be “upheld, continued, and expanded,” and reaffirming our commitment to OHIO’s harassment and discrimination policy that already includes race, national origin and ethnicity.
Dr. Nellis signed a similar letter penned by the Inter-University Council (IUC) of Ohio on Sept. 7, 2017. He also met with Ohio’s Congressional delegation in Sept. 2017 to discuss University priorities, including DACA. Additionally, the President issued a statement to the University community reinforcing Ohio University’s commitment to fair treatment and inclusivity for all of its students, faculty and staff.