AFT 1493 passes resolution in support of student organizing

The following resolution, titled “In Affirmation of Faculty Support for Students“ was passed unanimously by the AFT 1493 Executive Committee on December 14, 2016:

Whereas, the 2016 electoral season included divisive rhetoric targeted at women, LGBTQ people, persons with disabilities, Muslims and other religious minorities, immigrants (both documented and undocumented), DREAMERS (Development, Relief & Education of Alien Minors DREAM ACT), DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans), DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students, and people of color;

Whereas, in light of the results of the 2016 election, the San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1493, with nearly 1000 faculty members teaching in the three colleges of the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD), has witnessed our students expressing, in both public and private, confusion, anxiety, fear for their physical safety and well-being, and concerns about their individual rights, all of which negatively impact the achievement of their educational goals;

Whereas, the mission of our colleges is to serve and support all students to achieve student success, and the core value of this student focus requires us to address the needs of students in our actions, work harmoniously, and show compassion;

And whereas, our DACA and DAPA students are in distress and fearful of imminent deportations by the newly elected U.S. President, and this is affecting their motivation to continue their education;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that AFT Local 1493 reaffirms its commitment, as a representative body of the SMCCCD faculty, to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe learning environment for all students, free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, and fear,

Be It Further Resolved, that AFT Local 1493 encourages faculty members to use the learning environment to show compassion and support for students who may be experiencing anxiety, uncertainty, and fear in the current political climate,

Be It Further Resolved, that AFT Local 1493 strongly supports the recent letter from University of California President Janet Napolitano, California State University Chancellor Tim White, and California Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley urging President-elect Donald Trump to continue the DACA program,

Be It Further Resolved, that AFT Local 1493 will examine every legal measure to assure that our colleges are safe places for the continuation of the education of all our students, and in particular for our DACA and DAPA students and all other targeted populations,

Be It Further Resolved, that AFT Local 1493 will urge the SMCCCD to adopt the following recommendations from California Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley;

• District police departments should not detain, question or arrest any individual solely on the basis of (suspected) undocumented immigration status.
• Districts should not cooperate with any federal effort to create a registry of individuals based on any protected characteristics such as religion, national origin, race or sexual orientation.
• No confidential student records should be released without a judicial warrant, subpoena or court order, unless authorized by the student or required by law.

Be It Finally Resolved, that AFT Local 1493 will urge the SMCCCD to work with the cities of San Mateo, San Bruno, and Redwood City to examine the policies and procedures that can potentially make the SMCCCD Colleges a Sanctuary or a “safe zone” as described in SB 54 in order to protect the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.