For several weeks, ASSC prepared to come forward to the Governing Board about declaring Solano Community College as a “sanctuary campus” for the safety of all students who can be affected by the mass deportations from the new presidential administration. They went go to the February 5th governing board meeting to voice their cause.

Secretary Angelika Duculan was the first ASSC member to make a public comment in front of the governing board.  She explained that on January 29th 2025, Student Development and Engagement conducted an anonymous survey in which students were asked about whether the school should be a sanctuary campus.

Fellow students also came to show support for the sanctuary campus initiative. Legislative advocate AJ Mathews, student services senator Alexis Lusk and associate Ewryn Ramirez made public comments alongside other staff members who came in support of migrant students and students with mixed-status families.

The student government was alongside various members of faculty including Jessica Gonzalez, co-chair of the Latino Parent Network and Program Director of Ser Latino in Vallejo, and Amanda Martinez Morrison, Ethnic Studies Professor at SCC.   Student Services Director Christina Rodriguez also spoke on the subject.

Rodriguez stated, “Our decision today will send a clear message about who we are as an institution and our commitment to educational equity…”

Rodriguez furthered, “This is more than a policy decision – it’s an affirmation of our values, our mission, and our unwavering commitment to protect educational access for all students.”

Chief Brian Huynh Travis from the department of public safety also made a statement in support of students at SCC.

Chief Travis stated, “We encourage students and staff who have concerns about their safety or any law enforcement policies to reach out to our department. We are here to listen, provide reassurance, and continue working toward a campus community built on mutual trust and protection for all.”

He concluded, “Together we can ensure that our college remains a sanctuary for education, opportunity and growth.”

While the board couldn’t respond during public comment, they respectfully listened to everyone’s comments while nodding and writing down notes.

Superintendent president Dr. Kellie Butler, voiced an information item that promotes a “safe and secure campus for all”, quoting that “Public institutions of higher education in California must provide equal access to education and related opportunities to all students regardless of their immigration status. Discrimination based on Immigration status is illegal and prohibited.”

“Student information related to immigrant status is included in this protection and considered highly sensitive and must be kept private and confidential…When a warrant or subpoena are provided at Solano Community College in particular…the subpoena must be directed to the superintendent president” Butler mentioned.

In case the Superintendent President is absent, the Department of Public Services is a liaison and can take down information from the immigration officers and then provide the info to the Superintendent.

“The state of California provides Sanctuary Jurisdiction under Senate Bill 54 and Assembly Bill 21, which prohibits colleges and other state and local agents agencies from using resources to assist immigration enforcement activities” Butler concluded.

Dr. Butler stated that Vice President Williams has been leading the effort in developing the Sanctuary policy.

Trustee Jacqui Nguyen Greer commented, “I have no doubt that we will continue to be a safe and protected campus for our students, our faculty and for anybody who sets foot here on campus, so thank you.”

Student trustee Sriya Srinivasin, read more anonymous student comments curated by ASSC in support of the immigration protections, “…Solano Community College students, immigrants, and non-immigrants alike, need reassurance that Solano Community College District will maintain its commitment to protecting the community.”

The board had a protracted discussion over the wording of the policies stated by the Student Trustee, Superintendent-President and Vice President of Academic Affairs, David Williams.

Within two weeks the governing board is preparing to develop a draft review resolution that will be presented at the March 5th meeting.