By Jay’Mi Vazquez
Managing Editor
In response to growing concerns over potential immigration enforcement on college campuses, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, CSCU, System have released new protocols to protect undocumented students.
The move comes amid heightened national discussions on immigration policies during the current political state, and its potential impact on higher education institutions.
In an interview with the Southern News, Interim President Dwayne Smith says the university has worked extensively with the Legal Counsel of CSCU System to develop the protocols for immigration.
Logo for Connecticut State Colleges University.
“We feel that these policies keep our campus safe, even as we comply with the laws,” Smith said.
The university has also worked with local community agencies to help students and their families outside of campus, Smith explained.
“This situation goes beyond just our scholars on-campus,” Smith said. “We want to provide support in all endeavors.”
Smith said one of the most significant aspects of the CSCU System’s policies is its reaffirmation of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA.
According to the new guidelines, all students are entitled to privacy regarding their personal information, including their immigration status.
In an email announcement from Office of the President, the institution states that the university will continue to uphold FERPA protections. With this, all requests for scholar documentation status information from enforcement will be denied if they are not accompanied by a valid court order or subpoena.
Logo for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This commitment to student privacy also extends to campus law enforcement. University Police will not inquire about an individual’s immigration status nor detain or arrest anyone based on immigration issues.
These measures are part of the CSCU System’s broader efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of immigration status, can continue their education without fear of potential enforcement actions.
On the university’s webpage for undocumented students, there are offered resources and answers to frequently asked questions that offer further guidance.
The webpage also includes a comprehensive listing of campus and community organizations that provide support for immigrant and undocumented students.
These resources are intended to help students navigate potential immigration enforcement challenges, offering both legal assistance and emotional support.
For students seeking further guidance, the announcement also referenced Governor Ned Lamont’s Family Preparedness Plan. This initiative provides resources on legal help and additional information to support individuals facing immigration-related concerns.
The university emphasizes that the safety and well-being of its scholars, faculty, and staff are all top priorities as the situation continues to evolve.
Updates on these current issues will be closely monitored by the university, and updates will be shared with the campus community through emails and on the Undocumented Students webpage.
Correction- This is volume 64 and Issue #14
