Commitment to Supporting Our Undocumented Community
January 21, 2025
Dear SMCCCD Community,
We believe that education is a fundamental human right. Together, we are deeply rooted in our commitment to ensuring that all students have access to a college education in a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment.
Consistent with our Board of Trustees’ 2017 Resolution Affirming SMCCCD’s Commitment to Protecting Undocumented Students and Student Privacy and the County of San Mateo’s 2023 Ordinance Restricting the Use of County Resources to Assist or Cooperate with Immigration Authorities, we will not collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in federal enforcement of national immigration regulations unless compelled to by state or federal law. We will not release personally identifiable student information about immigration status unless required by judicial order.
If you become aware of immigration enforcement activities on campus:
- NOTIFY the President’s Office immediately. No employee outside of the President’s Office is authorized to accept legal documents from immigration enforcement officers.
- DOCUMENT and provide the President’s Office with all details of immigration enforcement activities as soon as possible. Include time, location, officer name/credential, and details of officer’s request, if known.
- ESCORT officers to the President’s Office. If you do not feel comfortable escorting officers, contact Public Safety at (650)
738-7000 to assist. You are prohibited from giving consent for an immigration officer
to enter any non-public area of campus (e.g. classrooms, office areas, etc.)
We understand that navigating immigration concerns can be challenging, so we have
created a district webpage that provides undocumented community resources for students
and employees. Please bookmark smccd.edu/undocu to connect with campus, community, and legal resources. Additional information will continue to be added to the site over time.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please do not hesitate to contact our campus Undocumented Community Centers, Presidents, or the Chancellor. Together, we are focused on creating a community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered.
Sincerely,
Melissa Moreno, J.D.
Chancellor, San Mateo County Community College District
Kim Lopez
President, Cañada College
Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez
President, College of San Mateo
Dr. Newin Orante
Interim President, Skyline College