The following is a statement from the University of Washington, Department of American Ethnic Studies, on undocumented students.
As a result of last week’s presidential election, many of our undocumented students are experiencing a very high level of stress and angst from fear of an uncertain future for themselves and their families. Coping with personal and familial anxiety has clearly affected the ability of many of our students to concentrate fully on their coursework.
Recognizing that the University has rightfully opened its doors to all qualified students regardless of resident status, faculty and staff in the Department of American Ethnic Studies are committed to addressing the needs of these students at this critical juncture. To this end, AES proposes the following steps:
1. Ask students in AES classes to feel free to confer with AES faculty and staff about any issues or concerns connected with the incoming presidential administration’s hardened position regarding undocumented immigrants, especially those of Mexican descent.
2. Develop and implement alternative instructional strategies that will allow all affected students to complete class requirements. Structured assistance could be in the form of offering additional time or alternative spaces to complete class work.
3. Announce to each AES class that these resources are available to any student requesting such assistance.
4. Make the College of Arts & Sciences aware of the position taken by AES faculty and staff, and recommend that Deans encourage other departments in the College to adopt similar strategies.
5. Make the University central administration aware of the decision adopted by AES faculty and staff, and urge both President Ana Marie Cauce and Provost Jerry Baldasty to consider urging instructional units across the University to adopt a similar position.
