SG makes steps toward deeming FGCU a sanctuary campus
(EN Photo / Brad Young)
February 23, 2017
In the midst of President Donald Trump’s immigration ban, members of FGCU’s Student Government discussed SG Resolution 1617-002, Mutual Respect, a resolution that could potentially make FGCU a sanctuary campus, during their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Sanctuary campuses, modeled after sanctuary cities, help shield undocumented students from being deported.
The resolution, which was presented to senators in first reading on Tuesday, Feb. 14, focused on respecting other students and the diversity included on campus.
“In our deliberations, we respect each other and diversity, we support mutual respect for diversity and people of other backgrounds,” the resolution said.
According to a Fusion report, students from over 100 campuses have signed petitions demanding that their schools become sanctuaries.
Garrette Parsons, the SG Appropriations Chair, verbally expressed her support of the resolution to her peers during the meeting.
“We keep saying that we’re going to do this, so I want us to do this,” Parsons said. “I don’t want us to pass this and not do anything about it. If we say that we’re going to look into stuff and actually do things, we need to do it.”
Sen. Antonia Jacobse also expressed her desire to pass the resolution.
“I think we all understand the importance of this bill,” Jacobse said. “Moving forward, as the previous senator said, yes, this is a step, but it’s only a first step.”
Jacobse went on to describe the resolution as a foundation for a more inclusive FGCU.
“This is the foundation of that environment of inclusivity and diversity that our school was founded on,” Jacobse said.
Upon first vote, the resolution didn’t pass. After being amended, however, it passed.
“It’s our responsibility as senators and as the representatives of every single student on campus regardless of background, regardless of anything,” Jacobse said. “We are representatives of every student.”
The truth • Mar 2, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Awful, awful idea. Bringing illegal immigrants to campus is wrong in itself. Moreover, mixing a group of unknown illegal peoples with Staff and a student body upwards of 14,000 is dangerous. Please do not fall prey to the sway of what is currently politically fashionable. It is unbelievable that this is even a conversation we’re having. These left wing ideas are theoretical and innocent until applied in reality. Take a look at the comments and understand, we don’t want this for FGCU!
John Wilson • Feb 26, 2017 at 8:43 am
The disturbing trend behind this seems to have been lost in the details… When the shiny happy term “sanctuary city/state/campus” is used, the plain truth of the matter is that they are advocating “sanctuary” for people who are breaking the law…period. Where has the common sense fled to? If someone is in the United States illegally, they are breaking the law. They should not be afforded protection, they should be deported. They also pay great insult to those of us who immigrated legally and did our due diligence to become US Citizens. What’s next? Free tuition for these lawbreakers? The confusion of truth by today’s young leftists truly is remarkable.
Paul • Feb 24, 2017 at 6:20 pm
I know these illegal immigrant students are good people but still illegal immigrants and to be law abiding it would not be a good Idea to declare anyone sanctuary
Concerned • Feb 24, 2017 at 6:20 pm
I will pull my daughter if his happens ! They have. Token the law by crossing the border illegally or being here because of their parents which as adults they now no they are illegal which makes them copable . Terrible idea perhaps if these students did not get subsidized rates legal students would not have to pay as much as they are . I’m really disappointed that this is even a topic
Will • Feb 24, 2017 at 10:07 am
This will never happen because A, the school could potentially lose Government Funding, and B, donors and boosters will void their checks faster than half the student body can fill out a transfer form.
Doug • Feb 24, 2017 at 12:18 am
Everyone who donates to FGCU should pull their funds, as this is a bill that endorses illegal activity. Don’t student visas make them legal immigrants? Are illegal immigrants even allowed to enroll in college? The only people being deported by Trump are Criminal Illegal Immigrants – Illegal immigrants convicted of a crime. Sounds like someone needs to educate the students.
Sawyer • Feb 23, 2017 at 10:16 pm
This is bananas. It’s a bill about mutual respect, but it’s designed to protect people who don’t respect the law. Just because it is popular, doesn’t mean it is right.
Citing sanctuary cities as examples of this being a successful policy underscores just how terrible it is. The sanctuary cities are routinely the highest in crime, and in the worst economic shape. LA is bankrupting the state of California. As a former Eagle I thought we were above the popular lefty/liberal agenda, but now I’m embarrassed to know we’re going the way of UCLA and the safe spaces of the sheltered Ivy League schools.
Uzair • Feb 23, 2017 at 9:44 pm
Can you explain in detail what it means to be a sanctuary campus ? Thank you
Frank Henderson • Feb 23, 2017 at 9:37 pm
This is a terrible idea.