Now it may seem odd for the ostensibly local business column tasked with ‘Featuring’ some ‘Folks’ here week to week to have two issues in a row dealing with the good people over at Cal Poly, but the University does happen to be the largest employer in all of SLO County public or private. According to the numbers tracked by the SLO Chamber of Commerce, the school even outpaces County Government itself in terms of people it keeps on the payroll.
The Campus Community itself plays such a role in daily life that the tides of students coming and going is almost like the weather, a force of nature, particularly in the City of SLO’s downtown. Just as the internal workings of a storm system are hidden away until we see the rain, we’re still going to get wet when it comes in.
As the Campus, and City braced for about 850 more students than previously expected to surge into town for the start of classes Sept. 14, the attention of Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong and his Leadership Cabinet shifted elsewhere to national events.
Excerpts of their Sept. 5 letter to the entire Campus Community read in part:
“Earlier today U. S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the rescission of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We are deeply disappointed by this action and pledge our commitment to urge Congress to work toward a solution that will serve our DACA students and employees.
We recognize that the move to rescind DACA has activated one of the greatest fears “Dreamers” have long-held. Many Dreamers were brought to the United States when they were children and, therefore, do not know any other country. When DACA was implemented, Dreamers openly divulged their status in exchange for an opportunity to work toward legal citizenship. They have contributed greatly to this country and represent a massive resource of talent. While we can’t begin to understand the emotions and impact this action has on Dreamers, our hearts go out to them and we stand with them in our extreme disappointment.
We at Cal Poly, along with the California State University system, remain committed to DACA students, faculty and staff… Cal Poly has demonstrated its commitment to DACA and undocumented students by establishing a DREAM Center and hiring a full-time coordinator. In addition, an Undocumented Student Ally Working Group has been identifying student needs and providing appropriate support. Either of these groups can provide information and assistance as needed.
We at Cal Poly stand in support of our undocumented students, faculty and staff.
Cal Poly leadership will continue to ensure that the university remains a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for every member of our campus community. In addition, our Student Affairs staff and our Employee Assistance Program are ready to be of assistance to those who may have questions or need counseling to address their feelings during this difficult time.
We at Cal Poly remain absolutely committed to our DACA students, faculty and staff who make our university a rich and vibrant community. We will do everything in our power to urge Congress to offer a workable solution.”
Readers may have noticed the line; “Cal Poly has demonstrated its commitment to DACA and undocumented students by establishing a DREAM Center and hiring a full-time coordinator.”
That won’t have been a surprise to those who remember a SLO City and Coast News cover article on the matter all the way back in December 2016, featuring a Q&A with Cal Poly Vice President for Student Affairs, Keith B. Humphrey.
At the time he explained why Cal Poly, part of a broader State institution was taking such a stand on what might have seemed a national policy issue. Quite simply it’s about people to him, “…a student is a student is a student. Immigration status is not part of an admission decision. Cal Poly complies with all state related regulations regarding immigration,” he wrote. “We support these 176 students, and all of our students, because we know that the value of a college degree, and particularly the value of a Cal Poly degree, provide economic and social benefits to the student, their family, and the state. A college degree is a predictor of economic stability for the student and their family, and tax paying individuals to the state of California.”
In the wake of the Sept. 5 announcement and more recent news of a possible, although not finalized deal in Washington D.C. it was time for a quick follow-up with Humphrey.
To start with, he said, their stance seems to be embraced by the student body, “We have not experienced any social backlash since the Dream Center opened in April.”
A: Any idea how many students on campus are classified as “DREAMERS” or are affected by DACA?
Humphrey: We don’t have a specific number today, because we have not yet reached the official fall census date. However, we expect the number to be slightly larger than last year’s anticipated total. The numbers we have are students who self-identify, and it is entirely possible and reasonable that we have more undocumented students than our numbers indicate.
Q: How many undocumented students have used the center in the last year?
Humphrey: Cal Poly has not kept records regarding student usage of the Dream Center, as we want every student to feel comfortable using the Dream Center.
Q: Any specific issues coming up in the current political climate?
Humphrey: Students are concerned about the federal administration’s stance regarding DACA and their ability to complete their Cal Poly degree. Our DACA students are student leaders, Dean’s list members, RAs and Orientation leaders. They are contributing positively to Cal Poly and want to continue doing so without the fear of having to leave the only country they have ever known.
Q: Have fewer been willing to “out” themselves, as you put it last year, to take advantage of resources at the Center?
Humphrey: We don’t know how many students we have in this category, since it requires self-identification, so we don’t know if fewer have been willing to be open about their DACA status.
Q: How has it changed their experience on campus?
Humphrey: That is a better question for students, but those that I have talked to feel that having a Dream Center validates an important part of their identity and provides a safe space for them to connect with others, be themselves in an open environment, and receive academic support.
Q: Is the campus doing anything about or organizing around the DACA decision directly? Is there a CSU policy statement? (The UC system is suing the Federal government.)
Humphrey: [The] CSU has created the following website with information and resources for students across our 23 campuses: www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/resources-for-undocumented-students/Pages/default.aspx
By Camas Frank
