To: The Wellesley College Community
From: Soo Hong
Re: Update from the Working Group on the Effects of Immigration Policy on the Wellesley Community
Date: September 26, 2017

As you know, President Paula Johnson convened a group of faculty, staff, and students in February to work directly in response to the January 27, 2017 executive order involving refugees and immigrants. We are in the midst of uncertain times, and we want you to know that we are working across departments and divisions to support community members affected by recent immigration policies.

We continue to update our website to provide important information and resources to the community. Today, we have included information about the new presidential proclamation banning travelers from designated countries. We have also included some recent information that may be helpful for those who are navigating decisions regarding DACA status and extensions. For example, in the “Important Updates” section, the 9/05/2017 drop-down information area includes resources such as: DHS FAQs, a list of local DACA community workshops, nearby legal services, and a scholarship source for DACA renewal filing fees.

As a group, we value accessibility, and in this spirit, we would like to offer drop-in hours to the community. We encourage you to meet with a member of the group if you have any questions or suggestions. The working group members’ drop-in schedules and locations are as follows:

  • Mondays and Thursdays in October, 6–7pm: Maheen Akram, Lulu Tree House
  • October 4, 1:30–3:30pm: Mared Alicea-Westort, Acorns House
  • October 4, 7–9pm: Daniela Kreimerman Arroyo, Leaky Beaker couches
  • October 5, 6:30–8:30pm: Gaby Varela, Clapp Library, 2nd floor
  • October 11, 2–4pm: Mared Alicea-Westort, Acorns House
  • October 12: Soo Hong, 10:30am–12:45pm, PNE 151
  • October 19, 2–4 pm: Tiffany Steinwert, Billings 210
  • October 19, 6:30–8:30pm: Gaby Varela, Clapp Library, 2nd floor
  • October 20, 10–12pm: Soo Hong, PNE 151
  • October 23, 6–8pm: Daniela Kreimerman Arroyo, Severance ground common room (DOF)
  • October 26, 12–2 pm: Catia Confortini, GRH 335
  • October 26, 2:30–4:30pm: Missy Shea, Alumnae Office, GRH 246
  • November 9, 6:30–8:30pm: Daniela Kreimerman Arroyo, Severance ground common room (DOF)
  • November 16, 10:30am–12:30pm: Soo Hong, PNE 151
  • November 27, 1:30–3:30pm: Laura Grattan, PNE 230

We are in the midst of planning some fall events that will address recent incidents and changes. These events are designed to provide information to the broader community as well as encourage individual and collective action. We feel it is important to be informed in order to support those around us, have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in dialogue, and take action to promote change. We will have more information to share in a future update to the community.

Sincerely,
Soo Hong

Working Group on the Effects of Immigration Policy on the Wellesley Community

  • Maheen Akram ’20
  • Mared Alicea-Westort, Assistant Dean of Intercultural Education and Advisor to Latinx Students and Mixed Race Students Organization
  • Lisa Barbin, Chief of Police
  • Robbin Chapman, Associate Provost and Academic Director of Diversity and Inclusion/Lecturer of Education
  • Catia C. Confortini, Associate Professor and Co-Director, Peace & Justice Studies Program
  • Robin Cook-Nobles, Director of Counseling Services and Dean of the Office of Intercultural Education
  • Tricia Diggins, Union Trustee and Senior Gardens Horticulturist
  • Gloria Figueroa, Coffee Shop Attendant, Wang Food Service
  • Laura Grattan, Associate Professor of Political Science
  • Soo Hong (chair), Associate Professor of Education
  • Michael Jeffries, Associate Professor of American Studies
  • Daniela Kreimerman Arroyo ’19
  • Elizabeth Mandeville, Director of Exploration and Experiential Learning, Wellesley Career Education
  • Jennifer Musto, Assistant Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies
  • Pashington Obeng, Professor of Africana Studies
  • Karen Zuffante Pabon, Director of Slater International Center/International Student and Scholar Advisor
  • Ryan Quintana, Associate Professor of History
  • Missy Siner Shea ’89, Executive Director, Wellesley College Alumnae Association
  • Carolyn Slaboden, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and EO
  • Tiffany Steinwert, Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life
  • Gaby Varela ’20