Illinois State University won't become a "Sanctuary Campus," for undocumented students.
During Sound Ideas, President Larry Dietz said he doesn't see any public university in Illinois granting themselves that status.
"On the surface it seems like a wonderful thing to do," Dietz said, "and it would be. The problem is the term 'sanctuary is ill-defined so it brings up all kinds of legal issues."
Dietz said he's discussed the issue with several other presidents in other states and with all his Illinois colleagues. He said it's clear there is widespread support for diversity and inclusion.
"We want our campuses to be safe for everyone, free of harassment, intimidation and discrimination. But because of the lack of a definition of the word 'sanctuary,' all institutions that I know of have not adopted that. Certainly none in the state of Illinois.
Dietz said the university's Admissions website has alink for undocumented students.
"All students, regardless of citizenship status, are admitted based on academic credentials. We're not in the business of defining the undocumented. We're in the business of educating individuals who can meet our academic criteria, and that's our commitment," he said.
Dietz also discussed his meeting on Monday with Governor Bruce Rauner in Springfield. Dietz said he brought up the recent legislation signed by the Governor subsidizing Exelon, so the power company can keep unprofitable nuclear plants in Clinton and the Quad Cities open.
"Folks who live around here and work there send their kids to public universities. So it's great that they get to keep their jobs. But we're not Exelon, but we have needs and our needs are not being met by the state and haven't been for the last well over a year, in terms of budget," Dietz said.
Dietz said the university remains well-positioned to cover the lack of state funding, if the governor and legislative leaders cannot agree on a budget for the second half of fiscal year 2017. The current stop-gap agreement expires Dec. 31.
