As an alumni and current graduate student at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), it is heartbreaking to witness an institution that prides itself on being a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) allow anti-immigrant rhetoric and activities to manifest on campus. The fundamental values of CSUDH should be rooted in inclusivity and protection, especially for those who are affected by the damaging policies that this administration is imposing. To truly serve its diverse student body, immediate action must be taken to ensure our campus remains a safe zone for all students.

Students, staff, and stakeholders rely on CSUDH to set an example and create a safe educational environment. However, recent activities suggest a close proximity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations to the university which creates a climate of fear and insecurity. Many students come to this institution in pursuit of higher education and a better future, yet the looming threat of raids, detentions, and any ICE-related activities undermine these aspirations.

If CSUDH is to honor its commitment to its large Hispanic and other minority populations, it must implement protocols to identify and disperse any ICE presence on or near campus. Quick action, including immediate notifications to all students, staff members, and stakeholders about ICE activities must become the norm. This is not simply an administrative duty but a moral obligation to uphold the institution's mission as an HSI.

According to their own statistics,(CSUDH FALL ENROLLMENT DATA)  approximately 68% of CSUDH's student body identifies as Hispanic or Latino. This demographic is especially vulnerable to the impacts of ICE's presence, creating an urgent need for protective measures. Protocols need to be put in place urgently, not only to prevent ICE from conducting operations on campus but also to ensure that communication channels are streamlined. Alerts and warnings must be issued within minutes to safeguard the well-being of everyone on the premises. 

It is time that CSUDH invests in the community it "so proudly" serves. It is understandable that with so much misinformation floating around CSUDH administration may have some hesitation, but if they reach out to the communities it is serving, they may be able to create a partnership with organizations that already exist. Frameworks have already been developed by organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHRILA), ORALE Long Beach, and Union del Barrio. These organization would be more than willing to share their knowledge and promote the mobilization of our universities. Students cannot do it alone. This has to be a community effort. 

This institution must act as a bastion of safety and support for all its attendees. By taking these necessary steps, CSUDH can truly cement its status as a servant to its community, embracing diversity and resisting forces that aim to dampen the dreams of its students. Act now to hold CSUDH accountable. Sign this petition and demand an immediate reassessment of the university's protocols and response strategies towards ICE activities near its premises. Together, we can protect our academic sanctuary.