Institutional Response to Federal Issues 2025

The college has been in contact with its legal counsel, and they are watching these issues. New York state laws and regulations are in place that address these issues, so no changes are warranted at this time. If there is a need, we will certainly speak to our attorneys.

As it says in our Institutional Commitment to Open Dialogue and Safe Spaces, “[W]e are deeply committed to supporting open inquiry, diverse perspectives, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue through education, experiential learning, and research. As an institution founded on the principle of empowerment through education, we recognize our responsibility to amplify voices and perspectives that have been historically underrepresented. We are committed to ensuring that every member of our community is heard and valued. Our goal is to create safe spaces where challenging and diverse ideas can be openly explored, always guided by our mission to foster responsible citizenship and individual growth.”

If a student, faculty, or staff member encounters ICE on campus, they should refer the visitors to Public Safety, who will act accordingly.

Federal immigration enforcement agents are required to have a criminal arrest or search warrant to lawfully enter limited access, nonpublic areas without consent (this would include residence halls, the Wellness Center, etc.). Most often, immigration agents who might come to campus would be acting on civil, not criminal, authority, and generally carry administrative warrants. Administrative warrants are not signed by a judge and do not authorize agents to enter limited access areas without consent. FERPA directory information does not include immigration status, citizenship, or national origin information or documentation. Other than subject to a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, schools are not required to provide student information to federal or local law enforcement officials.

On January 29, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget rescinded the memorandum that temporarily paused federal financial assistance programs. Prior to that announcement, the college received official information from Federal Student Aid that confirms the attempted pause on federal grants and loans would not impact “assistance received directly by individuals,” including Title IV, HEA funds, which are provided to individual students, such as Pell Grants. 

If you are working with a student who is impacted by any changes to immigration policy, please refer to the list below and consider contacting the Dean of Students on your campus for additional information and assistance.