UMass leadership statement on Administration's decision on DACA program

On behalf of the five-campus University of Massachusetts system comprising 100,000 students, faculty and staff, we stand in solidarity with Dreamers in opposing the Administration's decision to sunset the DACA program. The decision is an affront to our core values and undermines our mission to provide access and opportunity and support social and economic mobility for all underrepresented populations.

We are committed to working with our peers in higher education, membership associations, and federal and state legislative delegations to advocate for policies that ensure that our students can pursue their education, achieve their potential and continue to contribute to our society and economy. We will also continue to provide dedicated support staff and other resources to DACA students during this period of extreme anxiety and uncertainty.

UMass will adhere to all applicable laws and university policies and guidelines, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which applies to all students, regardless of immigration status. We reaffirm that we will not release information from student education records to outside parties without permission from the student, a judicial warrant ora subpoena, or as otherwise compelled by law. Our campus police departments will not voluntarily partner with law enforcement agencies to enforce non-criminal, non-terrorism related immigration actions.

UMass President Marty Meehan

UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy

UMass Boston Interim Chancellor Barry Mills

UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert Johnson

UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney

UMass Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins