Letter that was sent out this morning:

An open letter to Undocumented Students at UW, Unafraid. This is the word that weighs on my mind and heart as I reflect on Tuesday’s attempt to build a physical and emotional wall in the middle of red square between the community that calls the University of Washington home. The Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center and its community of activists, scholars, staff and alumni cannot sit idly by without saying that we reject these and any other attempts to marginalize, suppress or harm undocumented students on the UW campus. While we have long been advocates for freedom of speech and the collective efforts to support undocumented student success, I wanted to take the time to reaffirm our solidarity with undocumented students and their families, at UW and beyond. I also want to share how we have supported and will continue to support, getting our undocumented students to graduation day. Our work can no longer be in the shadows and we are proud to come out in support of our students. Committed to inclusive space, not just in our building, but in every space across campus.

The ECC is proud of its students who against all odds, continue to pursue their dreams of a college education while simultaneously fighting for the rights of themselves, their families and others. We continue to grow our professional staff to reflect the community we serve. This is not something we take lightly. It is a deep, personal commitment to fight these injustices each and every time they come up. Indeed, the work we do is inherently personal. So we will march on, buoyed by the belief that the changes we have been able to create as a campus community are only a start. To speak and act affirmatively, in coalition with our students, to address anti-immigrant and xenophobic beliefs. I say this knowing that we cannot do this work alone, together with students, community and allies, we will continue this work, even when it becomes uncomfortable or risky. But it will take all of us. Working together in concert to create the UW we want to see. The Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center is committed to working with and for undocumented students. To all in our undocumented community: WE SEE YOU. WE HEAR YOU. WE SUPPORT YOU. Today and always. Keep fighting. Keep being the voice for justice. Our support for you is unwavering. Not just in words but in action.