Members of the Oregon State University community,

I write to assure you that Oregon State University's support for its students with DACA, undocumented students and students from mixed-immigration status families remains unwavering despite the U.S. Department of Justice announcing this morning that in six months it would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

Since 2012, DACA has provided temporary protection against deportation for young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as minors. Rescinding DACA will negatively affect students attending Oregon State and many thousands of university and college students nationwide.

We strongly support bi-partisan efforts by members of Congress to find a solution that will ensure that these young people are able to remain in the U.S. and contribute to society by attending college, working and paying taxes, improving their communities, and serving in the military.

In the meantime, OSU will continue to enroll and look for ways to assist DACA students, as well as undocumented students, and students from mixed-immigration status families.

We encourage students impacted directly by today’s announcement to contact Janet Nishihara, director of the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP), at janet.nishihara@oregonstate.edu or by calling (541) 737-3628. EOP is prepared to provide all OSU students with guidance on university resources.

As members of the Oregon State community, I ask you to get involved in this matter. Acting with understanding and compassion is one way. Faculty, staff and students can learn what more they can do by reviewing the university’s “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Undocumented Student FAQs.” A recorded informational session “Advising Students on DACA and Undocumented Status Issues” is also a helpful resource. Finally, I urge you to call upon your Congressional leaders to act quickly and with a moral imperative to defend and retain DACA.

I will continue to work with university and college leaders nationwide to identify with our elected leaders, a viable and compassionate approach for continuing support of our DACA students. Meanwhile, OSU will continue to monitor closely this matter and will provide updates as they become available.

Please join with me to do everything in our power to ensure that Oregon State University is an inclusive and safe community that supports equal opportunity for education and the opportunity for all to succeed.

Sincerely,

Ed Ray

President