Claremont

The Claremont School of Theology student council has passed a resolution to provide sanctuary for Central American refugees, making it the first seminary in California, and the 12th college campus on the West Coast, to adopt such a measure.

Sanctuary proponent Sharon Snapp said the council’s action was announced Tuesday at a campus rally attended by about 100 students and faculty. Snapp, who said the measure was similar to those recently passed by Pomona and Pizter College students, said the theology school’s seven-member student council unanimously adopted the measure last week after 60% of the 300-member student body signed a petition in favor of providing sanctuary to Salvadoran and Guatemalan refugees.

The resolution states that students will collect material aid for refugees, raise bail money for refugees, assist local sanctuary centers, bring refugees to speak on campus, and if need be, provide temporary housing for refugees. Snapp said that no seminary funds or seminary housing will be used to harbor or transport refugees.