President, chancellors sign letter supporting DACA students

The University of Colorado’s president and four chancellors have joined hundreds of education leaders across the country in signing a letter of support for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students.

As of Wednesday, more than 600 college and university presidents and chancellors had signed the letter, which originated at California’s Pomona College. The list of leaders includes CU President Bruce Benson and Chancellors Phil DiStefano, CU Boulder; Pam Shockley-Zalabak, UCCS; Dorothy Horrell, CU Denver; and Don Elliman, CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

“The chancellors and I feel it’s important to sign on to this letter, which reflects the University of Colorado’s commitment to access and success for all students,” Benson said.

DACA took effect in 2012. Since then, the letter reads, “We have seen the critical benefits of this program for our students, and the highly positive impacts on our institutions and communities.” The letter urges national leaders to uphold, continue and expand DACA.

There are an estimated 750,000 DACA recipients, also known to some as dreamers, in the United States.