By Phoenix Guevara, Feb. 4, 2024
President Donald Trump’s declaration to halt “all illegal entry” and establish new federal gender policies have sparked concern for cultural centers and identity-based programs for universities across the country.
Cal Poly Pomona administrators now face the dual challenges of adapting to stricter immigration enforcement and potential new restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“We have been engaging in conversations with our Cultural Center and identity center retention staff for over a year and a half,” said Jonathan Grady, the senior associate vice president for Equity and Belonging. “When we think about the attacks on DEI nationally, this is not new.”
At CPP, diversity and inclusion are central to the university’s mission and identity. The campus boasts a wide range of cultural centers, identity-based programs and student support services that enrich the educational experience.
“As a Hispanic-serving institution, where the enrollment of Latinx students has more than doubled in almost 20 years, it is an indisputable reality that members of our student body will be directly affected by the recent immigration policies,” said E’Lisha V. Fogle-Enang, the chair of the Collins College DEI Committee. “This includes our Dreamers, undocumented students and their families.”
For many CPP students, the shifting landscape at the federal level has fueled a climate of uncertainty and concern about their futures. Undocumented students and DACA recipients worry about their ability to continue their education and their families’ security under stricter immigration enforcement, while LGBTQ+ students express fear about potentially losing safe spaces and support systems provided by campus programs.
“I’m honestly terrified of it,’ said Ella von Tresckow, a psychology student and active member at the Pride Center. “I find it hard to connect to people in other places, so it’s good to have a space where I can find people who are willing to talk and have similar experiences and can relate.”
These student concerns highlight critical questions about what protections remain in place at public universities. Identity and cultural-based support centers, like the Pride Center, César E. Chávez Center for Higher Education and Womxn’s Resource Center, have become crucial safe havens for students processing these potential changes.
While Trump’s executive order targets DEI programs, existing state-level protections may limit its immediate impact on higher education.
“The order directs agencies to enforce existing civil rights laws and challenge DEI initiatives in the private sector, though it lacks a clear definition of DEI,” said public defense attorney Brian Gilmartin. “While the order itself won’t immediately affect higher education, experts view it as a potential effort to reverse decades of civil rights advancements.”
California law also provides specific protections for students concerned about their immigration status. Gilmartin said California ensures all students have the right to a free public education regardless of their immigration status, including K-12 schools and public universities.
In response to these challenges, Leticia Guzman Scott, the executive director of student support and equity programs, outlined specific measures being implemented at CPP.
“The administration here at Cal Poly Pomona is committed to ensuring that students feel safe and that they can thrive. If they need assistance in any way, we’re here for them and we can make sure that they get the resources they need,” she said. “They can come to any of our offices for support.”
As students work through the school year during these challenging times, CPP continues to offer its support network through its resources. The Centers for Transformation, Retention, Equity and Empowerment serve as a hub for students from diverse backgrounds. Also, Undocumented Student Services welcomes students and families with mixed immigration status by offering guidance, support and tailored resources to help them succeed.
Feature image courtesy of Phoenix Guevara