Petition requests UD to address undocumented students

A petition is gaining traction on social media surrounding how the University Of Delaware ('UD') addresses undocumented students.

Titled "No Blue Hen Is Illegal", the petition has collected 561 signatures as of 4:30 p.m. Monday. The goal is to collect 1,000 by Wednesday.

"In light of recent executive orders that have put millions of undocumented immigrants at risk, and in light of the recent spike in hate speech and crimes on college campuses targeting immigrants, it is clearly imperative that the University of Delaware meaningfully address the specific challenges faced by, undocumented/DACA students and other vulnerable immigrant students," a statement on the online petition reads. 

'DACA' refers to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Homeland Security announced in June 2012 certain people who came to the United States as children and met several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. 

The petition calls for ten requests. One request includes hiring an Undocumented Student Coordinator to advocate for, advise and represent undocumented students. Another request is to provide sensitivity and diversity training to faculty and staff regarding undocumented students.

47ABC reached out to university officials on Monday in regards to the petition.

In a statement, UD says they appreciate and share the community's concern for the safety and well-being of undocumented students.

"The University has consistently affirmed its commitment to creating a campus atmosphere of respect and will continue to do so," a statement reads. "Our efforts include policies and services that protect and support ALL students, many of which have been in place since the early 2000's or before. These are provided without regard to citizenship status: admissions decisions, protection and security by UD Police, confidential counseling resources, [and] privacy protections."

UD officials add, they will address the petition in greater detail after it is formally submitted.