EDINBURG — In light of today’s White House decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey issued a statement assuring students and staff of the university’s support.
“I want to reaffirm that each student, staff and faculty member who makes up our UTRGV community is an important part of our university family,” Bailey wrote in an announcement. “Regardless of place of birth or citizenship, each one of us contributes an important voice to our diverse campus. Please remember that Diversity, Access and Inclusion is one of our core university values.”
Among some of the resources available to staff and students who might experience uncertainty over their legal status are the Student Life and Dean of Students offices, he stated, which are constantly updating their website Support for Students Who are Undocumented with the latest information. And when it comes to staff, support is also available though the UT Employee Assistance Program.
The president also assured students that the university does not share personal information without consent, unless asked by law, and that campus police “do not and will not ask students, faculty and staff about immigration status.
“For all of our UTRGV members, please remember that we have an unwavering commitment to treat each other with respect,” he wrote. “If you encounter behaviors that make you feel unwelcome, please use any of the resources mentioned above to report that behavior, or contact our Office of Institutional Equity or the University Police Department. All of these are there to support you.”
Bailey also referred community members to a statement by UT-System Chancellor William McRaven in which he assures students, faculty and staff that even as the system must obey law, its campuses will remain supportive of all students regardless of place of birth.
“You can be certain of our support as you continue to pursue your dreams — the American dream — to obtain an education and build a better future for you and your families,” McRaven wrote. “As UT adheres to federal and state laws regarding immigration, rest assured our campuses will remain places where you can safely study as Congress takes up this issue.”
