The Inclusive Excellence Leadership Team (IELT) celebrates the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Action (DACA) program.   DACA is an immigration program that provides protection from deportation, the ability to work in the United States, and enables approximately half a million undocumented students to enroll in colleges and universities in the United States. This decision means that Community College of Denver’s DACA students, for the time being, can focus on academic excellence and success, rather than living in fear of deportation. Additionally, faculty, staff, and administration can continue to welcome, include, and support all of our DACA students in their pathways to success. 

While this decision is indeed cause for celebration, the IELT is calling on the community and college to voice your support and to continue to fight to make a permanent change. Colleges and universities across the United States benefit from DACAmented students and graduates, and our campus is no exception. Intercultural engagement is vital to academic success, and we need to work hard to foster an inclusive environment where all members can thrive, regardless of status.  We advocate for social justice reform to create safety and security for our DACA students.