Sonoma State students staged a midday walkout Thursday, demanding the university declare itself a sanctuary space amid a surge in federal deportation efforts.
The Press Democrat reports student groups, led by MEChA, are calling for concrete policies to protect undocumented and mixed-status families from immigration enforcement on campus. The protest also highlighted frustrations over a $24 million budget shortfall that resulted in the consolidation of Ethnic Studies and the layoff of over 100 staff members.
While the university recently secured $90 million in rescue funds, students argue that multicultural programs are being sidelined even as federal grants for Hispanic Serving Institutions face new threats. SSU leadership says they support the right to peaceful protest but have yet to commit to the specific sanctuary demands.
Organizers are now pushing for a formal sit-down with the administration to ensure their history and safety are prioritized.
