(September 5, 2017) KANSAS CITY, MO – Avila University President Ronald Slepitza, Ph.D., CSJA, today joined other college and university presidents and others in releasing a statement about today’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.
“The core mission of higher education is the advancement of knowledge, people, and society. As a Catholic institution, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we are committed to their guiding principles of serving the dear neighbor without distinction. The president’s decision to end DACA today goes against all that we believe in as a university.
“Our long-standing belief in the worth, dignity and potential of every human being means we will continue to stand with families, regardless of immigration status, to ensure that the dignity of all is fully protected.
“These individuals covered by DACA are talented, productive, members of our communities and our country. They represent part of our hopes for the future. We join with our colleagues and other leaders across the business, civic, religious, and non-profit sectors in urging the U.S. Congress to enact the DREAM Act of 2017.”
Avila University, a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is a values-based community of learning providing liberal arts, professional, undergraduate and graduate education to prepare students for responsible, lifelong contributions to the global community. Our approach to education brings out the best in our students, so they can bring out the best in others.