Contradictions and Complexities of DACA Elimination Amidst Rhetoric of Freedom, Democracy, and Sanctuary

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”--These words are inscribed on the Statue of Liberty in New York where millions came in the pursuit of freedom. They reflect the dream of the United States as a place of sanctuary for those in need. Over the last few years, political and mainstream discourse and policy decisions have proved antithetical to notions of freedom and democracy. Opportunities for advancement through access to public education are increasingly limited. In the wake of Trump’s most recent directive to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, it is critical that we examine our roles and responsibilities in protecting the “Dreams, Possibilities, and Necessity of Public Education.”

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education

Chair

• Margarita Jimenez-Silva, University of California Davis

Speakers

• William Perez, Claremont University - Claremont Graduate University

• Jesus Cisneros, University of Texas at El Paso

• Tracy Lachica Buenavista, California State University - Northridge

• Derron Wallace, Brandeis University

• Chonika Coleman King, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Discussant

• Janet Awokoya, JTA Consulting Group