President Trump’s decision Sept. 6, 2017, to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order in six months has generated many questions and uncertainty. The President has directed Congress to adopt legislation within six months that would continue the immigration status of individuals covered by DACA to provide a statutory program in lieu of an executive order.

As individual members of our Texas Wesleyan family navigate the issues this decision raises, I want to affirm that Texas Wesleyan University welcomes, respects and appreciates each individual who is a part of this diverse academic community.

We already have begun to create opportunities for constructive conversation about our values and the commitment we have to each other as members of our community. Vice President Dennis Hall and his Student Affairs staff are holding “Coffee & Conversation” sessions for students, staff and faculty to engage in meaningful conversations about the many tumultuous issues affecting higher education. A “Coffee & Conversation” gathering was held this morning at 10 a.m. and another will be held tomorrow, Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. in the Student Affairs suite on the first floor of the Brown-Lupton Campus Center. Student Affairs also will sponsor a moderated “Student Forum on Current Events” at 4 p.m. on Sept. 11 in Lou’s Place.

The Texas A&M University School of Law and others are hosting a session titled “DACA: Know Your Rights” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 8, in Room 111 of the McFadden Science Center. If you are affected or interested in this legislative change, you might find this session informative.

Student Affairs is planning additional information sessions to focus on the President’s DACA decision and the potential Congressional response. We will provide you with that information as it becomes available.

Our commitment to education shapes the way we think and live. We recognize our diversity is our strength and our promise. I know that all of you will join me in expressing our support for the members of our community who are affected by DACA and help them achieve their dream of obtaining an education and living a productive life.