Supporting Our Students
A Message From The Superintendent President
Emailed 12/16/2024
Dear Solano Community College Family,
I am writing to address concerns about the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff in light of recent statements from the incoming presidential administration regarding immigration policies. As a community college, we are rooted in the values of access and inclusion, and I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting all members of our college community.
We understand that these uncertain times may bring anxiety and fear, particularly for our students and employees from mixed-status families, and those concerned about future immigration policies. Please know we stand united as a college community, committed to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
The state of California's leadership champions the rights of all residents, regardless of their immigration status. Recently, California Attorney General Rob Bonta shared guidance to assist California colleges and universities responding to immigration issues, in a December 2024 document, “Protecting Access to Higher Education for Immigrant Students”. This guidance underscores the legal protections in place in California for students from mixed status families, including:
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Privacy Protections: FERPA and the California Education Code provides protection of the confidentiality of student educational records, and colleges are not required to release information about students' immigration status to federal authorities without a judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order.
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Sanctuary Jurisdiction: Senate bill 54, known as the California Values Act, and Assembly bill 21, prohibit colleges and other state and local agencies from using resources to assist immigration enforcement activities. Accordingly, under SB 54, California state law prohibits campus police and security departments from assisting immigration enforcement officers. SCC's Department of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to keeping our campus safe for all and will direct any immigration enforcement requests to the Superintendent-President.
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Notifications and Points of Contact for Immigration Enforcement Activities: In an effort to maintain a safe campus environment, students, faculty, and staff, including DPS, must notify the office of the Superintendent-President as soon as possible, if they are advised that an officer engaged in immigration enforcement is expected to enter, will enter, or has entered the campus to execute an immigration order.
- Access to Education: All students, regardless of immigration status, have the right
to access public education in California.
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Access to Financial Aid: Under the protection of SB 54 and AB 21, students from mixed-status families can file the California Dream Act application (CADAA) to be considered for all California student aid programs (e.g. fee waivers, Solano Promise, Cal Grant, etc.) with assurances of privacy protections available under California law.
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As a college, we will continue to uphold these protections and advocate for the rights of our students. Furthermore, we remain committed to providing resources through SCC’s Undocumented Student Resources. This includes access to counseling services, legal assistance referrals, and workshops on immigration rights and resources.
To our students, faculty, and staff: please know that this college is committed to your success and well-being. Together, we will continue to foster an environment of inclusion and respect, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you have any concerns, questions or encounter any requests for student information, please direct inquiries and requests to the Superintendent-President’s office.
We will continue to stand together as one community. Thank you for your resilience, strength, and contributions to our campus. Together, we will face these challenges with courage and compassion.
In Community,
Kellie