Dear Students and Colleagues,
The past many days and weeks have been extraordinarily difficult for many across our region. As we were responding in real time and learning about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities and their aftermath as they unfolded in our surrounding communities last week, campus messaging was necessarily swift and brief, prioritizing the sharing of information. Having had the benefit of feedback from several colleagues and time to reflect over the weekend, I offer this more thorough, more deeply considered message today.
First and foremost, I acknowledge the deep fear, grief, and anger that so many are experiencing. For some, these events have been traumatic reminders of systemic injustices and personal vulnerabilities. For others, they have been lived in real time through interrupted lives, missing loved ones, and rising fears and uncertainties. I have heard from people who are deeply frightened, some for their own safety and others for their families and communities. These are not abstract concerns. They are real, immediate, and heartbreaking.
I want to say clearly to all members of our campus community: we value you and you belong at CSUCI. Your courage, brilliance, and resilience are vital to who we are. We have been connecting members of our campus community with needed resources on and off campus and will continue to do so.
As president, I have a responsibility to uphold our values and facilitate the safety and wellbeing of our campus community. I also carry legal and institutional responsibilities that must be considered in relation to campus communication. I have been asked, for example, to issue a statement guaranteeing the safety for all members of our campus community. Please, understand me clearly when I say that no campus official, including myself, can prevent federal agents from carrying out a lawful warrant. To suggest otherwise would be misleading, instilling a false sense of security, and potentially placing members of our community at even greater risk. That said, we have provided clear guidance should immigration enforcement agents come to campus. Additionally, within the boundaries of the law, we are providing supports to our students and employees by:
- sharing information about personal rights and how to respond to encounters with immigration officers;
- connecting students and employees to legal services and advocacy resources;
- providing confidential, trauma-informed counseling;
- upholding privacy rights under FERPA and state law;
- reviewing and strengthening our emergency communication and response protocols.
Please know that you do not need to disclose your or your family’s immigration status to access the resources and services we offer. To all campus community members in need of support for mental and/or emotional well-being, I encourage you to access Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) (students) or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (employees).
Another matter of concern for many is the arrest and detention of Dr. Jonathan Caravello, who was taken into federal custody last week during a protest and released yesterday on bond. The legal process is ongoing, and we are monitoring the situation. We affirm in no uncertain terms the values of free expression, academic freedom, the right to due process, and the rule of law as our society’s best, albeit imperfect strategy for maintaining stability and protecting individual rights.
I thank the many students, staff, and faculty who have offered support to those in need, in both visible and quiet ways. Your advocacy, compassion, and care are what make CSUCI a strong and resilient community. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and one another. Let us continue forward with resolve, clarity, and compassion.
Sincerely,
Richard Yao, Ph.D.
President