University Statement on U.S. Supreme Court's DACA Decision

Today’s United States Supreme Court decision related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program affirms the significance of the DACA program to our nation, and to the approximately 800,000 people individually impacted. Today’s decision also affirms Gonzaga University’s longstanding commitment to protect and support our undocumented students and employees. The status of the DACA program – which remains a temporary approach to addressing complex, long-term challenges – is not anabstract issue for Gonzaga University; it is a local and personal matter, affecting students and individuals who are part of our own community.

As a Jesuit, Catholic and humanistic university we are guided by the fundamental values articulated in our Mission Statement: “The Gonzaga experience fosters a mature commitment to the dignity of the human person, social justice, diversity, intercultural competence, global engagement, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, and care for the planet.” These words incur an obligation on the part of our university to care for those among us who are vulnerable, and in need of support – and specifically includes our undocumented students and employees, here legally under the auspices of the DACA program. It is my fervent hope that the Congress of the United States will once again take up these matters and develop comprehensive legislation which result in humane immigration policies: policies fully reflective of the noble virtues enshrined in our Constitution; policies that work to eradicate systematic racism, and respect the fundamental humanity of every individual regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality.

Thayne M. McCulloh, D.Phil.
President