February 12, 2025

Dear SRJC Community, 

At our February Board of Trustees meeting yesterday, I reaffirmed SRJC’s commitment to supporting students in the face of growing unease, anxiety, and fear—especially among undocumented community members and marginalized populations. 

Right now, we are experiencing rhetoric designed to keep us distracted, afraid, and reactive. In these moments, we must remain grounded in knowledge, facts, and a collective mission to serve students. As a public educational institution that values access to higher education, academic freedom, and critical thought, we will continue to provide an inclusive space for students to achieve their goals—regardless of immigration status, financial background, political beliefs, or identity.

Our dedication to this work is long-standing. Resolution 5-17, which designates SRJC campuses and sites as Safe Havens, was passed by the Board of Trustees in February 2017 and remains in effect today. Since November, the District has been actively implementing the actions outlined in this resolution and has built a foundation for the work that lies ahead. 

As I stated in my November 13, 2024 communications, sharing timely and transparent information that benefits students and employees is critical during this time. Below, you’ll find recent actions and upcoming initiatives that demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting our community. You will find information and resources to support your knowledge and understanding of how SRJC will protect undocumented students. In addition to this information, SRJC is legally obligated to abide by additional laws to protect students’ rights to privacy, such as the Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Assembly Bill 21 which requires that we establish procedures to create a safe and inclusive environment for the community regardless of immigration status.

This work is not just about policies and procedures – it is about standing by and with students and colleagues through action, clarity, and care. Every day, as we show up and lead, we provide stability and support for students to pursue their aspirations. Later this week, we will distribute the SRJC Guide to Responding to Immigration Enforcement Activities document which provides a quick-step guide to know what to do, what to communicate, and how to notify administration.

I am dedicated to leading this community with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to shared understanding. The District leadership, in collaboration with constituency group leaders, will stay informed of the evolving political and legislative landscape that impacts students and our community; and will provide communication as soon as it is feasible and appropriate. I encourage us all to engage in meaningful interactions with one another and rise above the culture of judgment and assumed malintent that is pervasive throughout the country. Sonoma County and its students are counting on us to remain steadfast in providing the high-quality education SRJC has delivered – and will continue to deliver – for generations. 

I am grateful to be in partnership with students, classified professionals, faculty, administrators, and the Board of Trustees, all of whom are dedicated to serving students.  

In Community, 

Dr. Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
707-527-4431, angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu

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Recent Actions:

• In December 2024, the District provided an update on our protocols and procedures for responding to immigration enforcement activities across all District sites
• Management Team participated in UndocuAlly training in December 2024.
• An SRJC Immigration Information contact sheet was created to assist employees in directing immigration enforcement officers. This resource is available on the Undocu Immigrant Dream Center website.
• In January, we conducted management training thttps://dream.santarosa.edu/sites/dream.santarosa.edu/files/documents/SRJC%20Immigration%20Information%20Flyer%20-JH.pdfo further develop our understanding of immigration protocols which will inform an official administrative procedure.

Upcoming Initiatives:

• Administrative Procedure (AP): College Council will review a draft of AP 3415, which will serve as our public-facing guidance on responding to immigration enforcement activities.
• Internal Procedures: We have developed protocols at the Cabinet and Office of the President levels to ensure a swift and coordinated response to any immigration enforcement inquiries or activities should they occur.
• PDA Day Sessions: We have three professional development sessions scheduled providing faculty and staff with critical guidance on immigration enforcement activities:
  • SRJC Best Practices for Supporting Undocumented Students (Provided by Beatriz Camargo, Stephanie Jarrett, and Molly Senecal)
  • UndocuAlly Training (Part 1 of a 3-part series provided by First Gen Empower)
  • Know Your Rights Training (provided by VIDAS Legal Services)
• SRJC Guide to Responding to Immigration Enforcement Activities: Later this week, we will distribute a document outlining steps for how to respond to on-campus immigration enforcement activities. This document should be placed in classrooms, break rooms, and other common areas for easy reference.
• Website Enhancements: We are enhancing both the SRJC homepage and Undocu-Immigrant-Dream Center websites to provide updated information, FAQs, and resources to support undocumented students and reinforce our commitment to the broader community.