LACCD Launches Student Rights Task Force Today

District is Committed to Serving All Students, Regardless of Status or National Origin

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Los Angeles Community College District

Feb 24, 2017, 12:38 ET

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) will launch its Student Rights Task Force on Friday, February 24th at 10 a.m. The Task Force was formed by Board President Scott Svonkin following the passage of an LACCD Board resolution authored by Trustees Sydney Kamlager, Mike Eng, and Ernie Moreno. The Task Force will meet in the Board Room of the Educational Services Center at 770 Wilshire Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles.

"The Los Angeles Community College District is committed to ensuring all students have full access to our colleges, regardless of immigration status or national origin," said LACCD Board President Scott Svonkin. "We are launching our Student Rights Task Force to ensure that our nine colleges will remain as beacons of democracy and safe havens for every one of our students."

"As an immigration attorney and trustee, I understand how important it is to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for all of our students regardless of their status," said LACCD Trustee Mike Eng, Co-Chair of the Students Rights Task Force. "Our focus should be on educating and empowering our students, not driving them into the shadows."

The Task Force was established to assure students that LACCD is committed to serving them regardless of immigration status or national origin; to assess existing policies and protections related to student records, privacy and law enforcement; and to develop additional policies that might be needed.

"Our students are enrolled in our colleges to achieve the American Dream, which results in a stronger economy and society for all of us," said LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D. "We are committed to doing everything within our power to ensure our students can complete their education and do so without fear."

At its first meeting on Friday, the Task Force will be briefed by:

Its Federal liaison, on the current situation in Washington
LACCD Dean Millie Kuno, on LACCD DACA and Dreamer students
LACCD Vice Chancellor Ryan Corner and General Counsel Kevin Jeter, on student privacy and records
Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept. Captain Ron Armalin, on the LACCD's relationship with law enforcement

There will also be a discussion on LACCD and outside resources available to students.

About the Los Angeles Community College District
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is the largest community college district in the country, spanning 36 cities in Los Angeles County and serving nearly 250,000 students per year at its nine colleges. Drawing 80 percent of its enrollment from historically underserved populations, LACCD offers affordable and accredited higher education that empowers students to transfer to four-year institutions, earn associate's degrees, and obtain training and job skills that open doors to lifelong opportunities.