GLSEN Responds as DACA End Imperils LGBTQ Students

GLSEN Responds to End of DACA Program

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Eliza Byard, contact:

Cathy Renna, 917-757-6123, cathy@targetcue.com

(New York, NY) September 6, 2017 – The following statement, responding to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement yesterday morning of plans to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, can be attributed to Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN:

“An estimated 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year, including many who are LGBTQ. Each and every one of them deserves the support and care they need to thrive. It is unconscionably cruel to threaten students with deportation from the only country they have ever known, simply because of how they came here. It is manifestly immoral to uproot their lives in the service of a political agenda. Moreover, it is a staggering breach of the trust these young people placed in our government by registering for the DACA program in the first place. GLSEN stands with the Dreamers, and urges all educators to provide whatever support they can for these students as they begin the school year in the shadow of this heartless and manipulative decision.”

 

About GLSEN

GLSEN creates safe and affirming K-12 schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, and our network of community-led chapters brings GLSEN’s expertise to local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for our work at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit glsen.org.