Working with the Community to Protect Immigrants Higher Education Richard Gonzales General Counsel & Senior Inclusivity Officer Colorado Mountain College

What assistance are we providing? What assistance is actually needed?

Advocacy and messaging

Restrictions on advocacy by public institutions Partisan Issues Candidates running for office Unrelated legislation Use of public funds Fair Campaign Practice Act Grant Restrictions (e.g., TRIO) Freedom of expression for those with differing views

Relation of advocacy to institutional mission Every member of our community will attain the education he or she desires. (Community College of Denver Vision Statement) We aspire to be the most inclusive and innovative student-centered college in the nation, ….(Colorado Mountain College) President Hauser, CMC letter, 9/5/17 : [I]t is my responsibility to provide for the welfare of the college and its students. I am speaking out on this issue because it is unmistakable that the end of DACA will harm CMC students.

Inclusivity is for all President Hauser letter, continued: “Importantly, CMC stands for the safety and well-being of all of its enrolled students. I would be similarly outspoken if a federal action harmed any other particular segment of our students – women, adults, veterans, those with disabilities, or the like. Colorado Mountain College is an open enrollment and open access institution, which means that all students are welcome.”

Specific Messaging to the community Repeat: Stay calm and stay well-informed. Preparation will help reassure your students and their families, and reduce the overall fear and panic of the community. Publish institutional position on continued delivery of education to immigrant students Department of Higher Education letter Metro State University Strong Institutional Practices CCD Dreamers United Student Association Reminders about ASSET Legislation https://www.ccd.edu/org/asset-daca-undocumented-student-information

Controlling the Institutional Message ESPN Example: "My comments on Twitter expressed my personal beliefs," Ms Hill tweeted on Wednesday. "My regret is that my comments and the public way I made them painted ESPN in an unfair light. My respect for the company and my colleagues remains unconditional." Minutes later, ESPN responded in a statement: "Jemele has a right to her personal opinions, but not to publicly share them on a platform that implies that she was in any way speaking on behalf of ESPN.

Colorado ASSET Legislation Provides for in-state tuition rates for qualifying students Allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at Colorado’s public colleges and universities as long as, in general, they meet certain qualifications: Have attended high school for three years immediately preceding graduation Admitted to a participating college within twelve months of graduating or receiving GED If not legally present in the U.S., sign an affidavit stating that the student is currently seeking or will seek legal status as soon as eligible.

Technological connectivity Consider use of institution facilities and technology to connect service providers to service users Example: Mental health, legal or advocacy services in Denver metropolitan area can conduct virtual meetings (WebEx, IVS, etc.) with individual students or their families who are unable to travel to the service provider location

Consensus among institutions? Privacy rights in most cases trump investigations or inquiries Institutional mission does not include immigration law enforcement Financial aid from non-federal sources Safe places for all students Public advocacy supporting DACA, DREAM legislation Institutional Services: Legal, mental health, other counseling/support Partnerships with others

What does the community actually need What does the community actually need? Developing Community Leadership from Within Manaus Valley Project, a local nonprofit, retained Industrial Areas Foundation, a consulting organization with proven expertise in developing “organizational relationships that grow the voices of families and communities [with] little power over decisions that impact their … lives.”

Listening to stories from the community CMC mobilizing core group to engage with immigrants students and their families Listening to their stories Understanding the priorities of their personal challenges with higher education Educating others in the community through sharing the stories Identifying leaders from within - Iron Rule applies Stories transcend immigration status, nationalities, age and economics Roaring Fork Valley Assembly examples

State law changes?

The following may be considered as evidence of Colorado domicile: Payment of Colorado state income tax Colorado driver's license. If you do not drive, you may obtain a Colorado identification card. Colorado vehicle registration. Voter registration in Colorado. Permanent employment or acceptance of future permanent employment in Colorado. Ownership of residential real property in Colorado that is your primary residence. Ownership of vacation or income property is not an indication of domicile. Graduation from a Colorado high school. Continued residence in Colorado during the summer or during other periods when not enrolled as a student or during periods between academic sessions. Other factors particular to your situation may be considered also, and should be documented.

RESOURCES LISTS Develop your own based on program, facilities and leadership style Link to outside providers Resource lists abound!

discussion