By Angela Cookston
The first of the monthly Topics on Tap discussions focused on why Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) matters to all community members and students, what was being done by the University, and how more people could get involved in protecting the rights of students affected by DACA.
The town-hall-style discussion was led by Amanda Diaz, President of the Associated Students of the University of Puget Sound (ASUPS), on Oct. 11. It was designed to be informal. “We’re really encouraging people to feel comfortable and empowered,” Diaz said. “So hopefully this is gonna be a first time where we can have these conversations and begin to shape a culture around conversation, honest feedback and grievances.”
Diaz encouraged every person in the audience to share their thoughts, feelings, questions, and suggestions. The event had ASUPS note-takers who would deliver the notes to the campus administration and serve as a liaison between students and the administration.
DACA, which was created in 2012, protected children who were brought into the U.S. illegally as young children and defers their deportation so that they can work and attend school. A New York Times article titled “Trump Moves to End DACA and Calls on Congress to Act” stated that until Oct. 5, DACA recipients could renew their two-year deferment of deportation one last time, ultimately ending all DACA coverage by Oct. 2019.
Because there are students who might be potentially affected by the ending of DACA coverage on any college campus, this issue matters to the University of Puget Sound.
In addition to the efforts of the University to support undocumented students financially and legally, the ASUPS senate has raised over $7,000 to fund DACA renewal fees and efforts to promote Know Your Rights training have been increased.
If there were legal bounds or a subpoena to take or deport a student on campus, the University would be required by law to give up students to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. This means that if ICE officers come to campus searching for a DACA student the University itself can’t resist this in any way and must allow the ICE officer onto campus.
Many students believe the University should take stronger action to keep undocumented students on campus and resist ICE. Advocates for Detained Voices has set up an emergency network designed to alert community members to the presence of ICE officers. This way, community members can use obstruction strategies such as physically blocking cars, linking arms, removing the individual to a sanctuary location and attempting to block an interaction between ICE officer and undocumented student.
“I think what is important about us meeting as a community is what we can do outside of that legal language,” Diaz said. She explained that many students are privileged U.S. citizens who are willing to be on the front line of these issues in place of those with less privilege.
Students interested in civil disobedience should do research to know their rights and the possible consequences of these actions.
In response to this discussion on community action, an audience member spoke on behalf of the women’s soccer team and other athletes at the University. They said that representatives from every sport meet on the Student Athlete Advisory Council, which has the potential to mobilize over 500 people. Athletes could help bridge the gap between campus social justice and the Tacoma community.
Towards the end of the talk, Diaz said that many students and community members approach her to ask what action will take place in response to these social justice issues. She said that it is not up to one person to take action. The community as a whole should create events and protest injustice together.
It’s honestly saddening to see people who have their nose in their books when there’s literally the threat of people being taken off campus,” Diaz said. “There needs to be direct action to allow for people to … step outside of their privileged midterm life and think about these things.”
Since the walkout protest in 2015, there has been little community action in response to social justice issues. “It just needs you. You could do it,” Diaz said.