Ismael Cordova made sure those walking into Building A at Elgin Community College this week would see his message.
In chalk, he wrote, “Defend the DACAs,” referring to students under the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals program whose statuses are now uncertain after last week’s announcement the program was rescinded.
“To beat out ignorance is education,” he said about his message, along with those that sprung up Tuesday throughout campus.
Two ECC unions used Tuesday morning and afternoon to help students and others express their opinions about DACA and immigrant students on campus and beyond as part of a “chalk walk.”
Messages of encouragement and hope were written across several building sidewalks at the college. Outside Building A, the messages went from the entrance down to the car pickup lane, even onto some benches.
Another student, Eloisa Basilio, was writing a Bible verse which began with the words, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistrust them.”
Other messages included “Equity,” “Pass Dream Act Now” and “We Are One.”
Kimberly Tarver, a physical therapy professor and officer for the Elgin Community College Faculty Association, said she knows some students have been planning other events raising awareness on the DACA program and its beneficiaries, but the faculty association and the Support Staff of Elgin Community College Association wanted to do something this week.
“We want them to stay in class, we want them to stay, feel safe … we want them to believe in their opportunities,” she said.
Elgin Community College President David Sam said he welcomed the messages, as the college community wanted to remind those in the area affected by the DACA decision they were welcome on campus.
“We all believe that ending DACA will be detrimental to all our students,” he said.
State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, stopped by Building A on Tuesday afternoon to check out the messages. She said lawmakers in Springfield were already brainstorming proposals to offer some protections for DACA students in the state. Some proposals being discussed include allowing DACA recipients in law and medicine the opportunity to get their licensing renewed, prevent immigration status being asked by landlords, protect DACA students in the juvenile court system and further strengthen the recently signed Trust Act.
“A lot of these students, they all have compelling stories,” said Castro. “They contribute tremendously to the community.”
