In the wake of last year’s presidential election, multiple colleges in Georgia have expressed interest in becoming “sanctuary campuses” as a means of protecting undocumented immigrants studying there, sparking conflict with the Board of Regents (BOR) as well as state legislators.
Emory University is one of the colleges in question, having received a petition from hundreds of students and faculty in November 2016 which requested that administrators consider making Emory a hospitable and safe environment for undocumented students; among other things, the petition requests that Emory supply legal support for students who need assistance with immigration law, as well as that it work with local police to provide protection from federal immigration officials.
Administrators from Emory responded with a press release in which they reaffirmed the institution’s support for admitting and providing financial aid to students currently protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program.
Furthermore, the administrators — among them, President Claire Sterk and Emory’s Dean of Campus Life — stated that they would be “evaluating” the request and meeting with students to determine “how best to serve those in [their] community
whose immigration status puts them at risk” in the near and uncertain future.
Emory media relations employees later gave a statement to FOX 5 news reiterating that they follow and will continue to follow federal law, and that they utilize private funds to give undocumented students scholarships based on need and merit.
Other private institutions in Georgia, such as Agnes Scott College in Decatur, have expressed similar support for accepting undocumented students.
Excerpted: nique.net
By Maura Currie on January 13, 2017
http://nique.net/news/2017/01/13/sanctuary-campuses-considered-throughout-georgia/
