City Colleges of Chicago Resolution Affirms “Welcoming Campus” Protection for All Students, Groups

City Colleges of Chicago
Published: December 1, 2016

Underscoring its commitment to absolute inclusion for its diverse student body and workforce, the Board of Trustees Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 508 today adopted a formal resolution affirming City Colleges of Chicago’s status as a welcoming campus.

Today’s resolution makes it a violation of City Colleges policies and procedures to unlawfully discriminate or harass at City Colleges on the basis of immigration status with respect to hire, terms and conditions of employment, continued employment, admissions, or participation in programs, services or activities.

Through the resolution, the Board also endorses the City of Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, passed in 2012 by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council to protect the rights of immigrants and undocumented residents.

“Chicago has embraced diversity since its founding, and we will always welcome people of all faiths, heritage and backgrounds to our city,” said Mayor Emanuel. “To continue building on our commitment to inclusion, we will ensure that our schools are places where all students feel safe to learn, because where you were born will not dictate the opportunities you will have in the City of Chicago.”

This resolution adds to City Colleges’ existing non-discrimination policies that protect staff and students regardless of race, color ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, among others. As a welcoming campus, City Colleges of Chicago does not inquire about applicants’ or students’ citizenship or immigration status when they seek to enroll at City Colleges or apply for scholarship programs.

“We students should not be limited by our immigration status,” said Melanny Buitron, a DACA student at Wilbur Wright College and the student representative to City Colleges’ Board of Trustees. “With this resolution, City Colleges stands at our side to make sure we continue being able to freely pursue our academic opportunities.”

Buitron also designed a butterfly symbol that the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights is planning to use in a campaign that will designate immigrant-friendly and sanctuary spaces in Chicago.

CCC programming, classes and scholarships have long been open and eligible to all students, regardless of immigration status. This includes the Chicago Star Scholarship program. Other City Colleges programs, including adult education, GED and dual credit/dual enrollment provide tuition-free enrollment, regardless of immigration status.

“City Colleges of Chicago is committed to creating and maintaining welcoming and supportive teaching and learning environments for all City Colleges students, faculty and staff,” said City Colleges Board Chair Charles R. Middleton. “We are working to expand educational and career opportunities for all Chicagoans, including the students representing 178 countries outside of the U.S. who study at City Colleges.”

The City Colleges of Chicago Equal Opportunity Policy and Complaint Procedures prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, order of protection status, disability, genetic information, military status, or status as a member of any other protected class under federal, state, or city law.

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