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Delta College trustees on April 15, 2025 approved the following resolution "reaffirming (Delta's) support of undocumented and LGBTQIA+ students, and continuing to welcome, support and celebrate all as equal members of the college community and our broader society."

Read the full resolution below:

WHEREAS, shifts in national leadership and legislative priorities may lead to policy changes impacting the rights, protections, and well-being of undocumented and LGBTQIA+ individuals; and

WHEREAS, the changing landscape of policies under the current administration of the U.S. federal government has created significant uncertainty, raising fears about the potential impact on students and their families; and

WHEREAS, no human being is illegal and rhetoric suggesting otherwise serves to marginalize, stigmatize, and instill fear and anxiety in undocumented individuals; and

WHEREAS, every individual has the fundamental right to their identity, including gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation as these are essential aspects of a person’s being; and

WHEREAS, through the Dreamers Success Center and the Delta Pride Center at San Joaquin Delta Community College District, students have access to resources and support services that create an encouraging network and college community to ensure their success and wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution 21-21 in recognition of the Progress Pride Flag in Honor of LGBTQIA+ PRIDE MONTH; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees adopted RESOLUTION # 23-030 Reaffirming Sanctuary College Status and Commitment to Immigrant Students and Community; and

WHEREAS, a common daily difficulty for transgender people on campus is restroom usage and under California law an individual has the right to use the restroom consistent with the person’s gender identity both in public settings, and in schools, the district commits to have all gender restrooms in each building at San Joaquin Delta Community College District; and

WHEREAS, the Attorney General of California has affirmed that, under the California Constitution, all students and staff—regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression have a right to privacy and ‘the inalienable right to attend campuses which are safe, secure and peaceful, and the California Supreme Court has recognized that access to an equal educational opportunity is ‘a vitally important right in our society;’ ensuring that immigrant and LGBTQIA+ students are entitled to the same educational protections as all other students; and

WHEREAS, in 2018, the California Legislature enacted Senate Bill 54 (the California Values Act) and Assembly Bill 21, which prohibit state and local agencies, including institutions of higher education, from using resources to assist federal immigration enforcement; and these laws further reinforce the responsibility of California’s colleges and universities, including San Joaquin Delta Community College District, to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff particularly those who are immigrants, LGBTQIA+, or members of other historically marginalized communities; and

WHEREAS, San Joaquin Delta Community College District is committed to creating a welcoming and safe school environment for our LGBTQIA+ students, and employees, the Equity in Higher Education Act provides that it is the policy of the state to train campus public safety officers about hate crimes and harassment, and Education Code section 66271.2 required the District designate an employee at each campus to address the needs of LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and students, and to share demographic information collected with the California Postsecondary Education Commission; and

WHEREAS, in 2025 the U.S. Department of Education announced that it will no longer protect all students from discrimination, California law is unaffected by recent changes to federal policy and continues to provide safeguards against discrimination and harassment based on gender, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. While federal guidance devolves, our commitment to safeguarding the rights of all students persists; and

WHEREAS, it is San Joaquin Delta Community College District’s mission to actively and continuously strive to be student-centered and anti-racist; and

WHEREAS, San Joaquin Delta Community College District values community, inclusion, respect, inquiry, innovation, student-centeredness, social justice and equity, and wellness and safety. San Joaquin Delta Community College District has been and always will be a beacon of hope to all students; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin Delta Community College District reaffirms, without any reservation, its support of undocumented and LGBTQIA+ students and continues to welcome, support and celebrate all as equal members of the college community and our broader society; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, consistent with local ordinances, state law and guidance from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, San Joaquin Delta Community College District will continue to respect and protect the privacy of students and employees of the college; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the San Joaquin Delta Community College District Police Department will not detain, question, or arrest any individual solely because of undocumented immigration status, suspected or confirmed, except as required by judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that San Joaquin Delta Community College District will not cooperate with any federal or state effort to create a registry of individuals based on any legally protected characteristics, such as religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and that no confidential student records will be released without a judicial warrant, subpoena or court order, unless authorized by the student or required by law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the San Joaquin Delta Community College District reaffirms its dedication to equity and access in higher education by ensuring that all students, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status, have the opportunity to achieve their academic and career goals in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of April 2025 (by unanimous vote)