CHICAGO — DePaul University President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., sent the following message to the university community today, under the heading “U.S. Supreme Court decisions affirm what we at DePaul know and believe.”
“We are heartened by two landmark decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States, announced this week. Today’s decision upholds the provisions of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA. Earlier this week, the high court issued a ruling that protects LGBTQ+ employees and job applicants.
“For our students affected by DACA, today’s decision brings great relief. From its beginning, DePaul University has welcomed students regardless of their citizenship status. Our commitment to DACA students is rooted in our Vincentian mission to serve marginalized individuals and groups. This case, and other actions at America’s borders, sought to demean and dismiss their inherent value to American society and our community. At DePaul, we believe in the power of education to transform the lives of individuals, families and communities. DePaul will continue to hold open our doors to all students, and encourage a legislative solution for immigration reform to — finally — remove the angst surrounding the uncertainty experienced by DACA and undocumented students.
“The decision earlier this week reinforced the legal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ persons, another marginalized community in America. As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, DePaul ensures all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. Beyond these protections, DePaul recognizes the tremendous value and perspectives LGBTQ+ faculty, students and staff bring to our diverse university.
“The history of our university is one that includes an unfailing commitment to enrolling students who desire a rigorous, urban, Vincentian education, regardless of their ascribed characteristics. When other institutions had quotas for students from certain faith traditions, DePaul proudly said ‘you are welcome here.’ Women students were welcomed on campus long before other universities moved in this direction. Students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education; students who receive Pell grants to assist them in their journeys towards a DePaul degree; students who have served our nation in the military; and students from different faith traditions, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations and gender identities have all found a ‘welcome’ sign awaiting them at DePaul University.
“DePaul strives to be an inclusive community that draws on diversity as a source of learning and understanding. We are encouraged by this week’s momentous decisions, and we continue to be inspired by the legacies of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, who instilled in us a belief in the God-given dignity of all people.”
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Media Contact:
Carol Hughes
312-362-8592