November

Student support and resource meeting

Students concerned about immigration issues following Election Day attended a support forum and learned about resources available to help them.

By Cory Phare

November 28, 2016

A tri-institutional support forum for dreamers (recipients of the Dream.US Scholarship Fund) and allies took place Wednesday Nov. 16 in the Tivoli Student Union. The forum panel included representatives from TRIO, First Year Success, Dean of Students’ Office, Auraria Police Department, Office of the Provost/Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Department of Chicana/o Studies, and several immigration lawyers.

After being led in a joint blessing, the crowd in the packed Baerresen ballroom heard a discussion that addressed questions prepared ahead of time by UndocuPeers representatives. Topics included dealing with reports of harassment, navigating potential legal processes, financial aid eligibility, privacy rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the potential of sanctuary declarations.

The event came together after MSU Denver offered an informal gathering for students concerned about immigration issues following Election Day. The response was overwhelming and warranted a follow-up event for dreamer students and allies across the Auraria campus, according to Gregor Mieder, immigrant services program coordinator with MSU Denver.

“It showed there was a need to continue the conversation,” said Mieder. “We wanted to provide resources and a place for everyone to come together and process everything.”

Anyone on campus encountering harassment was urged to contact the Auraria Police Department or the Dean of Student’s CARE team. Further immigration-related resources are found at Together Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and Mi Casa Resource Center.

Read President Jordan’s statement on MSU Denver’s commitment to respect, access, diversity and community here.