Thoughts on the Faculty Senate vote and awaited response

The Faculty Senate at the University of Notre Dame is currently waiting to hear from University President Father John Jenkins, CSC, on whether or not their efforts to make the university a sanctuary campus will bear fruit.

The desire to label Notre Dame a sanctuary campus arose with the possibility of the removal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Through DACA, undocumented immigrants who meet all necessary requirements have been able to attend colleges and universities throughout the United States. Since 2013, Notre Dame has been no stranger to the DACA program and prides itself on the importance of immigrants receiving the education that they earn for themselves through hard work. The removal of such a program threatens the educational opportunities of about forty students and could be perceived as complying with an immoral government decision. On January 16, the Faculty Senate took matters into their own hands by passing a resolution 20-1 to declare the university an official sanctuary campus. Father Jenkins has not yet given an official response but told the senate he would consider their resolution within the next few weeks and then make an official decision.

Notre Dame offers a top-tier education and has stringent admissions requirements. When a successful applicant has met or exceeded those standards that the university has set forth, admittance is a great honor. For an undocumented student, it is arguable that the admissions process is even more demanding. DACA makes it possible for these students to continue higher education, because without it their applications would be automatically ineligible for consideration.

Whether one agrees with allowing undocumented persons in the United States and allowing them a place in colleges and universities via the DACA program remains one’s own separate opinion. The DACA program is currently deemed by law as acceptable, which validates its existence at the University of Notre Dame.

A sanctuary campus, much like a sanctuary city, claims to be a lawful “safe space” for undocumented immigrants. The policy, as applied to both cities and campuses, is contentious; however, it ignores federal immigration law. While I applaud the Faculty Senate for creating a resolution to protect its students, campus decisions, like state decisions, are not superior to federal law. Approximately twenty-eight colleges within the country have already declared themselves sanctuary campuses. A critical mass of professors and Fr. Jenkins himself have been vocal in their support of DACA, but to support a sanctuary campus if DACA is removed means knowingly violating federal law.

An recent South Bend Tribune article covering the story states, “The resolution urges Jenkins to declare the university a sanctuary campus and adopt several provisions, including: affirming that undocumented students are full members of the campus community who will be protected; not allowing federal authorities or agencies to be on campus for enforcement purposes without a warrant; and not sharing information about undocumented students with those agencies unless required by a subpoena, court order or warrant.”

It is logical to infer that if President Trump revoked the DACA program, he would issue warrants, thus granting The Immigration and Customs Enforcement rights to appear on campus.

In the prayer service held on campus in November, Fr. Jenkins addressed undocumented students, “I assure you of our special concern for you at this time. The university will spare no effort to support you, just as we will for every student at Notre Dame. You accepted our invitation to come to Notre Dame, you are now part of our family, and we will do everything we can to ensure that you complete your education at Notre Dame.”

While this was touching and indeed supportive of undocumented students currently enrolled, it is misleading. Immigration in and of itself is not problematic, but illegal immigration is. If President Trump removes the DACA program, to be taken into effect immediately, then it becomes unlawful for those students to continue to attend the university. Whether or not one opposes illegal immigration in every case, the law is not subject to personal feelings. If DACA is revoked and Notre Dame becomes a sanctuary campus as written in the resolution, then the university will continue to accept and assist funding undocumented immigrants. In doing so, the university would be aiding and abetting those students in committing a federal crime.

Undocumented immigrants who have been upstanding members of society (proven by law and background checks) who have called America home for a majority of their lives should have a place within our borders. Undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes and pose a threat to our national security should not be in residence of this country. However, I do not make the laws—and neither does Notre Dame. Regardless of disapproval from faculty and administration, if President Trump revokes the DACA program, it is only lawful that the University complies.

Christina Herrera is a junior at Saint Mary’s College majoring in Political Science with a minor in English Writing. She serves as president of Saint Mary’s College Republicans and is a member of Young America’s Foundation at the University of Notre Dame. She plans to work as a lobbyist on behalf of our United States veterans. For questions or comments, contact Christina at cherrera01@saintmarys.edu.