Undocumented Student Action Week

Publish Date: Nov. 24, 2020

According to the Community College League of California website, California Community Colleges “support the largest number of undocumented college students in the state.” In solidarity with our undocumented student population and in partnership with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCO), Crafton Hills College hosted a series of events celebrating the statewide Undocumented Student Action Week, October 19-23.

Students participated in a variety of workshops on topics ranging from “How to fill out the DREAM application,” which allows interested students to apply for State financial aid, to a “Conversation on Current State and Federal Immigration Policies,” hosted by the State Chancellor’s Office. A screening of the documentary Underwater Dreams was offered in conjunction with the One Book/One College effort. The film follows the journey of four immigrant students who built an underwater robot which defeated the team from engineering powerhouse Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a national competition.

The week ended with a workshop entitled “Know Your Rights,” hosted by our friends at TODEC Legal Center. Participants learned about immigrant rights guaranteed under the Constitution and how to effectively assert them. Throughout the week, campus departments collaborated with community organizations on each of the presentations. Dr. Ericka Paddock, Director of Student Life, said that the presentations were intentionally designed that way. She said,“Regardless of their immigration status, we want all of our Crafton Hills College students to feel included and empowered. Whether they are in the classroom, utilizing one of our many student services or in our community, they are valued.”