In January, the University of New Mexico took down its Undocumented UNM website due to outdated information and is instead routing students to the El Centro de la Raza website for resources, according to Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Cinnamon Blair.
The website affirmed the University's commitment to “standing with and supporting our undocumented students and their families,” according to an archived version of it.
“Much of the content had 2017 dates on materials and broken links, content specific to that time period, and did not directly address current events under this administration,” Blair wrote in a statement to the Daily Lobo.
El Centro de La Raza, a UNM advocacy center for Hispanic and Latino students, was informed that the Undocumented UNM website would be taken down, according to Rosa Isela Cervantes, El Centro director and special advisor to the president on Latino affairs.
“My understanding is that it is being worked on,” Cervantes said.
After learning about President Donald Trump's immigration plans — which involve mass deportations — El Centro made a plan for properly keeping staff and students informed of ongoing changes and regulations, Cervantes said during a Feb. 20 presentation.
“We've put up the resources,” Cervantes said. “We've been adding to it carefully because we also don't want to give out wrong information.”
El Centro also has cards available in its office that list a person’s rights if they are approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
UNM abides by a 2005 state statute mandating that educational institutions cannot deny admission to a student on account of immigration status.
El Centro encourages students to come to school, keep embracing their culture and be proud of it, Cervantes said during the Feb. 20 presentation.
“UNM wants to make every effort to support our students and ensure that they know that they belong here, and is committed to supporting and empowering our undocumented students,” Blair wrote.
Elizabeth Bolke is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobocom or on X @dailylobo
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Esmeralda Lozano is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
