The following statements have been issued by Rockhurst University in response to decisions by U.S. leaders in regard to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
2020
Rockhurst University Statement Regarding DACA Decision – June 18,2020
Today, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. As a Catholic, Jesuit institution of higher learning, Rockhurst University is invited to accompany the most vulnerable among us. Our core value of “cura personalis,” which means “care for the whole person,” encourages us to see one another as companions in movement toward union with God. As such, we are encouraged by the Supreme Court’s decision. We also hope that our elected officials will continue to work to find a path toward citizenship for our brothers and sisters who arrived in this country as children and who have worked so hard to achieve their dreams. We strongly advocate for a solution that respects the human dignity, worth and contributions of DACA recipients.
2017
In September 2017, numerous organizations provided statements regarding recent proposals to phase out the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Among them are the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and Rockhurst University.
In addition, the Rockhurst University Diversity and Inclusion Committee provided the following statement.
September 6, 2017
Dear Rockhurst Community,
The Rockhurst University Diversity and Inclusion Committee would like to echo the words of Fr. Curran in his written address yesterday regarding President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We condemn the actions taken by this administration that threaten the very fabric of our shared American values. We are saddened that many of our brothers and sisters, which include members of our Rockhurst community, must now fear being forced out of their country, the United States of America, for doing nothing more than trying to live a free, safe, full, and productive life. As members of Rockhurst University’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee we refer back to our core value of Cura Personalis (care for the whole person) to remind ourselves that we are all together in this journey through life and that we must care for every aspect of each other so that we are strengthened to make this world a better place for all.
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee stands in solidarity with everyone directly affected by this administration’s decision. We are reminded of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty and hope that this inscription, that so accurately reflects one of our shared American values, is remembered and held in the forefront of the minds of members of Congress who we have elected to serve as our representatives.
“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame, "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” (Emma Lazarus, 1903).
Please feel free to contact members of the committee with questions or concerns. We may not be able to answer every question as there are many things that we still do not know about this decision; however, we are all available to be of support in any way that we can.