Elon students and alumni benefit from the court's decision to block the shutdown of the DACA program
Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book said she is pleased with the June 18 U.S. Supreme Court decision to stop the shutdown of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Elon is among more than 165 colleges and universities that signed an amicus brief on the case urging the Supreme Court to stop the government’s plan to end the DACA program. The brief argued that ending the DACA program would harm the futures of students and alumni and adversely impact institutions by depriving campuses of talent, diversity and leadership.
“The Supreme Court’s decision means our students, alumni and others across the country can still earn a degree, pursue a career and be vital and vibrant contributors to our communities,” Book said. “I support the successful DACA program for the positive impact it has had on the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their pursuit of an education.”
Book is one of 13 North Carolina college presidents and chancellors who are members of The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. The group is dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact students, campuses and communities.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court upheld the executive action by President Barack Obama that established DACA. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the government’s justification for ending DACA was “arbitrary and capricious” but said President Trump’s administration may continue efforts to end the program if it could provide adequate reasons to do so.