Rose Ann E. Gutierrez, Ph.D., assistant professor of equity and diversity in education in the College of Education & Human Development, recently moderated a pivotal panel at the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) annual conference. The session, held on Friday, Nov. 22, featured Janet Najera, a doctoral student at the ΒιΆΉΣ³», as a panelist.
Gutierrez, who co-chairs the ASHE Presidential Commission on Undocumented Individuals, led discussions during one of the conference's featured sessions titled "Entering a Post-DACA Era: Navigating Post-DACA Realities with and for Undocumented Students in Higher Education."
With the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program set to phase out and no undocumented high school graduates eligible for DACA after 2025, higher education and employment opportunities for undocumented students face significant challenges. The panel explored how institutions can support these students amid evolving policies and a challenging sociopolitical climate.
"This session underscores the need for universities to be more vigilant in creating anti-xenophobic and anti-racist environments and actionable support systems for undocumented students, who are navigating the intersections of racism and legality, in a post-DACA reality," Gutierrez emphasized.
Gutierrez’s research focuses on racial equity and intersectional justice in education. She examines how racial inequities persist within higher education systems and explores how students—particularly low-income, immigrant, undocumented, and first-generation students of color—navigate these challenges. Her interdisciplinary approach, grounded in critical theories, sheds light on the role higher education institutions play in shaping student pathways and outcomes across P-20.
Janet Najera, a first-year doctoral student in the Equity, Diversity, & Language Education program, shared practical strategies for fostering resilience and inclusivity. “Being a part of this panel and engaging with fellow advocates from various states in the nation highlighted the importance of standing together in solidarity in advocating for undocumented students and communities as a whole. Together, we are stronger,” Najera reflected.
Najera’s passion for advocacy stems from having family members and friends who were undocumented themselves. “I always knew that I wanted to help, and after being in several professional roles that focused on supporting students and families from underserved communities, I knew that this is what spoke meaning to me. My passion deeply lies in being able to advocate for more inclusive policies and opportunities to support a more equitable future for the undocumented community as a whole.”
Emphasized the need for increased institutional support for undocumented students, especially those entering higher education post-DACA, Najera stated, "Immigration is a human rights issue, and it's crucial to continue advocating for permanent reform solutions."
Grateful for her mentor, she noted, “Being a first-generation doctoral student in the program, I am inspired by Dr. Gutierrez’s guidance and commitment to advocacy. I am also very thankful to have been provided with the opportunity to engage as a panelist at my first national conference to provide information on such an important topic.
"I would like to express my gratitude to Vice President Michael Flores from the Office of Government and Community Engagement, as well as the Graduate School Association, for financially supporting my trip, as these opportunities play a crucial role in advancing the professional development of Ph.D. students."
Looking ahead, Najera plans to use her research to expand support services and resources for undocumented students, aiming to break down barriers and drive policy changes.
