Dear Beach Family,

This week marks the beginning of the United States Supreme Court's new term, when the justices weigh arguments that can have lifechanging impacts on many in our community.

Such will be the case a little over a month from now, on November 12, when the high court holds oral arguments on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Cal State Long Beach has joined with the entire California State University system in signing an amicus brief supporting DACA.

The Court will also hear arguments this fall about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to be free of discrimination in housing, employment, and many other aspects of their lives.

Like many California universities, a number of our students are undocumented and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community. All of these individuals have benefited from progressive California policies and our Dreamers have benefited from the 2012 DACA policy. For the past seven years, DACA has afforded many of our students the peace of mind necessary to continue on with their lives here as students and as contributing members of society. It is important to know that DACA does not provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence, but it has allowed students to step out of the shadows; to function normally; to "breathe free." This ability to emerge from the shadows and/or the closet is so important to academic and personal success.

This is vital not just for our students, but also for our country. Just as we have benefited by having these hardworking, dedicated students as members of our Beach family, so has our nation by affording all an equitable avenue for living out their hopes and dreams.

The beginning of each U.S. Supreme Court term marks a special time in the civic life of our nation, and I want to encourage you to pay attention as decisions emerge in spring 2020. Engage in robust and civil debates with members of the Beach Community so you can be well informed.

Also, please remember that in addition to celebrating LGBT History Month this month, on October 22 many colleges and universities across the nation will participate in I Stand with Immigrants Day of Action. This will be a time for alumni, faculty, staff, and students to let your voices be heard in support of our commitment to build a community based on acceptance and compassion not on fear and divisiveness.