Statement in Support of Undocumented Students

Statement in Support of Undocumented Students

Update: Response to Questions about Undocumented Students

In a series of meetings with student groups in November and December, 2016, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Gina Casalegno and Vice President and General Counsel Mary Jo Dively answered questions about Carnegie Mellon University’s current policies and practices. The following is a summary of key information shared at those meetings, in response to student questions:

• The University’s commitment to diversity of all kinds begins with its Statement of Assurance, which is posted online: “Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information.  Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.”
• Consistent with the Statement of Assurance, the university does not discriminate based on immigration status, nor do we ask about immigration status in the housing application process.
• University Police do not inquire about citizenship or immigration status as a matter of routine policing to keep the campus and community safe.
• The University does not voluntarily provide information about the immigration status or nationality of individual students to federal agencies or other outside organizations or individuals, except where compelled to do so by law.
• In rare cases in which federal agents have needed to reach out to current students, the university has offered to students to serve as a liaison to assist them in understanding their obligations under the law. The university provides referral to legal counsel with immigration expertise when it is in a student’s best interest to retain counsel.
• Undocumented or DACA students facing undue financial hardship should reach out to their HUB liaison. The university works with all students who are dealing with financial struggles. HUB liaisons routinely work with individual students and their families to understand their personal circumstances and seek potential solutions to support students’ continued enrollment.
• The university has publicly declared its support for continuation of DACA.