The recent decision by the Trump administration to rescind the DACA initiative implemented by former president Obama has potential implications for ACU students.
Hispanos Unidos, a student organization under the purview of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, is taking the opportunity to use this decision by the Trump administration to educate and discuss the visceral challenges and uncertainties which dreamers face on a daily basis. LisaMarie Maldonado, Senior accounting and finance major from Chicago, IL, is the president of Hispanos Unidos.
“What we’re trying to do is get knowledge out there because knowledge and words are power,” Maldonado said. She is encouraged by the discussions she has observed on campus, even noting that some students have drastically changed their views on the subject matter.
Maldonado described a recent Hispanos Unidos chapel focused on the DACA decision by saying, “It’s really just a big support group. We are not making this political or negative, this is where everyone can call home.” At the chapel Maldonado spoke and said, “My goal here today is to let you students know that you guys are protected here. I know a lot of our emotions can get the best of us and we instantly react right away but we also must remember to take a deep breath and look around us.”
At the inaugural Sundaes on Mondaes of the year, students had an additional forum to ask questions, share personal stories and talk amongst themselves about the future of so-called dreamers in the United States.
In an email to the student body, Kevin Campbell, Vice President for enrollment management and student engagement, affirmed the privacy protections for students, “Please rest assured that the university will honor current privacy laws, which do not permit releasing information to federal officials or other parties without a subpoena or warrant.”
Going forward, Maldonado said “Hispanos Unidos and OMA are going to have more discussions and forums with an open group, just where you can come and talk with us. We don’t wanna make it into an ugly thing.”
