This past Tuesday, President Donald Trump called for a rollback of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era program preventing the deportation of undocumented immigrants. The same morning, Chancellor Mark Wrighton filled students’ inboxes with a familiar greeting: “To the Washington University community.”

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) uniquely affects the Wash. U. campus, as the young adults it shields are the same age to we who attend this school. Around 800,000 people currently qualify to be protected, while an estimated 1.7 million could be eligible.

Wrighton’s email began with a bold statement, outlining his belief that DACA “should be continued and even expanded.” He expressed strong feelings about the program, emphasizing that members of the University community will remain protected whether DACA is repealed or not.

The Student Life editorial board applauds Wrighton—and the Wash. U. community at large—for his punctual and emphatic response to this substantial threat to our community. Additionally, he pointed students to resources on campus, allowing departments to fulfill their purpose and directly help students.

Wrighton is not only sending a powerful message to alumni, faculty, staff and students—he made a promise to help students with “challenges that may make it difficult to continue their studies.” This creates a community in which asking for help is encouraged, a big deal to those who may be too afraid to speak up.

In addition, similar to Student Union’s letter to Trump last year, Wrighton sent a letter to Trump directly on Sept. 1, asking for an extension of DACA. Last year, we asked “If DACA is repealed, what will happen to Wash. U. students protected under the policy?” Well, now we know. Students’ information will remain confidential, the Washington University Police Department will not inquire about immigration status and the Office of International Students and Scholars will offer legal advice, in addition to helping those who may be displaced find housing.

As Wash. U. continues to strive toward creating a more diverse campus, taking a stand on issues like immigration sets a precedent for Wash. U. to be welcoming to all.

If you want to help fellow community members, a call-in will be hosted this Thursday and Friday in Tisch Commons. To voice your opinion to a local representative, visit commoncause.org.