RCCD to Celebrate the Sixth Annual Undocumented Student Action Week October 17-21, 2022

However, this Fifth Circuit ruling does not alter the RCCD mission “to serve and enrich our diverse communities by providing a comprehensive program of educational opportunities that promote access, success, and equity.” We are an open access institution that admits ALL students who meet the age requirements and apply. For many at-risk or disadvantaged students, we are their only choice for pursuing higher education.

As Chancellor of the Riverside Community College District, I affirm that we will continue to advocate for undocumented students, and particularly those who may be affected by the DACA policy, or lack thereof. While judges and legislators continue to grapple with the legal issues, we will continue offering higher education opportunities to everyone who seeks to study and learn.​

October 17-21 is the Sixth Annual Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW). 

​USAW is a state-wide collaborative effort that includes a series of daily webinars and on-campus activities. This week we are raising awareness about our undocumented students' challenges and working to develop processes to ensure they have the best educational outcomes. Advocating for undocumented student success has never been more critical.

I was born in Eritrea, East Africa, and came to America as a Fulbright scholar to complete my graduate studies. America is home to me and my two sons, who are graduates of California universities. As a scholar, community leader, and Chancellor of one of the nation's largest and greatest community college systems, I know first-hand how vital education is for all people, including those who may be undocumented.

I am a testament that education is the most powerful social and economic equalizer, and I am not alone. California's success is attributed to many immigrants, including the undocumented, who continue contributing to our communities and the economy - every day.

I acknowledge that this is a hard time for many in our RCCD community. No one should come to our colleges for work or class in fear or anxiety over deportation. For the time being, current recipients of DACA will be able to maintain and renew their status. However, no new applications may be accepted during this time, which is alarming, and quite frankly unacceptable.

Therefore, I stand with the Dreamers and DACA students, and with RCCD administrators, faculty, classified profess​ionals, and the communities we serve, as we urge Congress to protect more than a half million people currently receiving DACA benefits.

We can all participate in and support the Sixth Annual Undocumented Student Action Week. Together we can break down barriers and discrimination to help all of our RCCD community members reach their education goals. 

For a list of USAW activitie​​s, see your res​pective RCCD college's page. To participate in the California Community Colleges systemwide webinars, click here.

If you are a student in need of support during this time, reach out to your college's undocumented student resource center. We are ready to help.

• • • MVC Common Ground - Undocumented Students and Dreamers
    • NC Unity Zone - Undocumented Student Resources
    • RCC Student Support - DREAMers Program​

 

 

 

Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D. 
RCCD Chancellor​