Statement in Support of Undocumented Students

In response to questions from students and a discussion taking place throughout the higher education community in the United States, Carnegie Mellon University reasserts its commitment to a diverse and inclusive community. Creating and nurturing a community of people with different experiences, perspectives and identities is the foundation for excellence in research, creativity, learning and human development.

On Nov. 21 CMU President Subra Suresh signed a letter in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA), since joined by more than 550 university and college presidents nationwide. Consistent with CMU values and policies, the current DACA federal legislation gives undocumented students who have spent much of their lives in the United States the opportunity to continue their educations.

There has been a great deal of speculation about whether DACA or other elements of federal law and policy governing immigration will change in years to come. These are extraordinarily complex issues, and it is impossible to know exactly what will come to pass. As an international community of scholars, CMU will continue to do all it can to support students, faculty, and staff, including those most who are vulnerable, consistent with local and federal laws.

In the short term, the university's Division of Student Affairs and Office of General Counsel have been meeting with interested campus groups to answer questions and hear concerns, and are working together to develop a set of resources to respond to those concerns and to help members of community educate themselves on the details of university policy and practice. Those meetings will continue, and more details will be published in the new year.