Faculty tips for discussing immigration issues

Dear Faculty, 

We’ve put together some suggestions about how to talk to your classes about sensitive and urgent Immigration issues that some of our students may be facing.

The University is working to ensure our community stays informed and at the same time committed to protecting our most vulnerable members. Faculty can play an important role in communicating Regis’ policies and resources for students experiencing pressures relative to the current political, social, and cultural climate.

• First, recognize that some of our students are experiencing serious challenges, posed by recent immigration actions/policies, to their personal, family, and community safety. The fear and uncertainty may affect attendance and focus. Please check in with students who may be showing signs of stress.  

• When you check in, please do not assume anything about an individual’s immigration status, or that of their family. There could be any number of reasons for student stress and disengagement. Those who are experiencing immigration challenges may or may not share. 

• Announce that Regis has many resources to support students experiencing distress or concern around immigration, including University Ministry, CoBe, and Counseling. Faculty can direct students to these resources as is helpful. (Something like this could go on WorldClass as a general class announcement).
  • Proposed ‘boilerplate’ for faculty to post on their WorldClass pages: Regis has many resources available to support students experiencing distress or concern around immigration, including University Ministry (Student Center 2nd Floor), Community for Belonging (CoBe, Student Center 217), and Health and Counseling Services (Coors Center Room 114).  

• Regis protects student information - there are federal laws (still) in place that Regis must uphold, and faculty are committed to upholding these. 

• If a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent requests access to non-public areas of university property, asks questions, or seeks personally identifiable information, follow the University’s specified and communicated policy about how to interact with law enforcement coming to campus.  - this includes ICE. The policy requires faculty to escort any law enforcement personnel to the Office of Legal Counsel. Faculty are committed to this policy and the university will support their compliance with this policy. 

• While you have the right to document and report the incident, do not physically obstruct or interfere with the actions of ICE agents. Just escort them or direct them to Regis’ General Counsel office in Main Hall 131.