Columbia Gorge Community College President Frank Toda initially opposed a resolution affirming sanctuary status for the college, but after two months of public input he changed his mind, and supports the Board of Education decision to adopt it.  When the resolution was first proposed Toda was concerned about losing federal funding streams if it was adopted.  But Toda said in listening to testimony over two months, his heart changed his opinion, saying “after much deliberation and discussion, I learned to appreciate the fear that exists in the Hispanic community, and that changed me.”  Toda also said he was reminded of his own family’s history as Japanese-Americans.  The CGCC Board unanimously voted to join a number of other colleges and universities in adopting sanctuary status over concerns regarding federal immigration policy.  The resolution will not change existing college policy, so CGCC officials don’t expect the move to threaten federal funding.  The resolution states CGCC, in accordance with law, will only provide student immigration status to the federal government if it has consent from the student, or if served with a valid subpoena, warrant or court order.