KERA: ICE officials make more arrests in Dallas than any other US city

According to KERA, officials from the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) made more arrests in the Dallas area than any other municipality in the country in 2017.

See this linked story for more information.

The Faculty Council has encouraged the DCCCD legal office to send specific instructions to all DCCCD employees, including faculty, regarding what to do in the event that ICE attempts to arrest DCCCD students on our campuses or in our classrooms.

DCCFA Legal Assistance Philosophy and Statement of Purpose

Note: This statement of DCCFA Legal Assistance Philosophy and Statement of Purposes was updated April 4, 2017. More information on DCCFA Legal Assistance can be found on the Legal Assistance page on the DCCFA web site.

The DCCFA is committed to the principles of academic freedom and the right of due process in the settlement of any dispute. If any member of the DCCFA feels that he or she has been dealt with in an unlawful or unfair manner, the member will be provided access to the best information available concerning available avenues for assistance. It continues to be the expressed intent of the DCCFA to provide counsel and assistance to the membership to help work toward a reconciliation of any dispute and to do so (if possible) in a non-adversarial manner. 

Although most disputes can and should be settled with simple collaboration and thoughtful conversation, it is sometimes necessary to seek other remedies. In matters that involve contractual disputes or academic freedom, full time faculty may request—through the Faculty Council—legal counsel and possible representation for unresolved issues. Payment for these services will come from the DCCFA legal defense fund as specified by our Constitution.

When legal assistance is requested it begins with the Faculty Council’s review of the dispute to determine appropriate actions. If it is approved for further consideration, outside legal counsel will be asked to review the details and will probably want to schedule a visit with the faculty member. The attorney will recommend to the Council a course of action.

During the forty-year history of the DCCFA there have been numerous disputes and grievances-- which is not surprising for system as large as the DCCCD. Given the finite resources of the organization it is important that all pertinent information be considered in a given case. It is also important that each member requesting assistance understands both the Association’s philosophy on legal assistance and the manner in which individual cases are evaluated and processed. Most grievance cases can—and should—be resolved without resorting to formal legal action. The Faculty Council has long assisted in these efforts by serving as a detached, “third party” to resolve disputes and to assist all concerned in establishing the facts, clarifying legal principles, generally accepted practices, and offering informal advice regarding possible resolution of issues in conflict. The faculty member should realize, however, that many grievance cases involve issues, which may be seen as unfair or unreasonable, but are not unlawful. The Faculty Council will rely on legal counsel for recommendations for further action on these issues. 

The DCCFA has earned a reputation for fairness, discretion, and effectiveness in assisting its members in grievance matters. Consistent with the philosophy and procedures outlined above, the Association stands ready to provide its members with informed counsel and advice about their specific circumstances while maintaining needed discretion and helping to safeguard the integrity of the academic process.

The necessary forms needed to request legal assistance are found on the DCCFA site which willalso detail the procedures which will be followed.

DCCCD Trustees Approve Concealed Carry Policy

On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, the DCCCD Board of Trustees approved the recommended rules and regulations for concealed carry developed by the District Concealed Carry Committee and proposed by Dr. Joe May.

The draft copy of the policy approved at the meeting is available in the DCCCD Boardbook (https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=40634001). The new policy is to be implemented by August 1, 2017.

Trustee Phil Ritter moved to add a sunset provision the policy which will require the Board to revisit the policy on or before October 15, 2019, as further guidance and experience may dictate changes or modifications. This was also approved.

Sunset Language added to the Policy: This policy takes effect August 1, 2017. The provisions of this policy are hereby declared to be severable such that if any provision of this policy or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this policy. The provisions of this policy shall be null, void and of no force and effect on or after October 15, 2019, unless the Board of Trustees has taken action before such date to renew, extend, modify or change such policy. Nothing contained herein shall prevent or prohibit the amendment, modification, suspension or repeal of this policy before such date as may be determined necessary by the College District Board of Trustees.

More detailed information on the policy and procedures for implementation has been posted in an article in MyPortal, accessible here: https://myportal.dcccd.edu/Lists/DatatelPortalNews/CustomDispForm.aspx?ID=2156