Top University administrators and figures released a joint statement condemning the Trump administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program last Tuesday. 

The repeal of DACA, an immigration program for individuals who entered the United States as undocumented minors, would put student recipients at risk of deportation beginning March 5, 2018. 

“This news is very upsetting, undermines the academic endeavors of our own students, and is contrary to our basic values,” read the email, which noted the presence of DACA students on campus.

Addressed to the entire University community, the message read, “We remain committed to the safety, well-being, and educational success of all our undocumented students. This commitment will not change.”

With nearly 8,000 individuals under DACA protection in Massachusetts alone, the email notes that the University administration is in consultation with local universities and immigration attorneys to obtain the best protection for the University’s undocumented students. 

Liebowitz also shared a Sept. 5 letter addressed to President Trump, in which he wrote to the President, “I implore you to exercise political courage and moral leadership in maintaining DACA and upholding the highest traditions of American values.” 

Liebowitz highlighted that recipients of DACA are at no fault and that Brandeis’ DACA students are valued members of the community. “DACA inflicts harsh punishment on the innocent, and the repeal of DACA lends to no positive outcomes,” he concluded.

The email was signed by Liebowitz, Provost Lisa Lynch, Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Stew Uretsky, Senior Vice President for Communications and External Relations Ira Jackson, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mark Brimhall-Vargas, Vice President for Student Affairs Sheryl Sousa, Dean of Students Jamele Adams, Intercultural Center Director Madeleine Lopez, Interim Director for Religious and Spiritual Life Rabbi Liza Stern and Student Union President Jacob Edelman ’18. 

—Michelle Dang