Resolution to Keep Students, Staff, and Faculty Safe from Immigration Enforcement Threats

WHEREAS, George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and workplace environment free from any discrimination;

WHEREAS, George Mason University’s policies and statements reflect longstanding commitments to supporting undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, including prioritizing their privacy and promising that they are welcome at Mason;

WHEREAS, George Mason University has provided resources and information specifically for undocumented students, including providing guidance on in-state tuition eligibility under Virginia regulations, access to legal service providers, mental and physical health services, financial assistance, and other critical resources necessary for their academic and personal success;

WHEREAS, George Mason University works closely with UndocuMason—a student organization that creates an inclusive environment for undocumented students at GMU through education and advocacy—to provide UndocuAlly Training sessions to the Mason Community. These training sessions teach “about the history of our undocumented communities, past and present legislation, and the lived realities and barriers our undocumented communities are fighting through with strength and resilience. The UndocuAlly Training Team aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for undocumented immigrants;”

WHEREAS, On January 31, 2025, in a shameful reversal of the above, the administration issued a memo titled "Addressing Immigration Concerns,” outlining the institution’s response in the event that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enter campus to detain, arrest, or deport members of the Mason community based upon their citizenship status;

WHEREAS, The memo states that the George Mason University Police “maintain excellent partnerships with federal and state law enforcement agencies” and are in communication with ICE officials regarding planned immigration enforcement efforts targeting students, staff, and faculty;

WHEREAS, the directive encouraging students, faculty, and staff to reach out to Mason Police if approached by ICE raises significant concerns about the university’s cooperation with immigration enforcement on campus, instilling fear and uncertainty among vulnerable community members and undermining Mason’s declared commitment to their protection;

WHEREAS, On February 27, 2025, Governor Youngkin signed Executive Order Number 47: “Keeping Virginians Safe from Dangerous Criminal Illegal Immigrants” which:

• Directs the Virginia State Police (VSP) to enter into a 287(g) Task Force Model Memorandum of Understanding with ICE, effectively deputizing state police officers to enforce federal immigration laws;

• Instructs the Secretary of Public Safety & Homeland Security to mandate local and regional jails to cooperate fully with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations;

WHEREAS, Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 47 is a policy shift that, according to the Washington Post, “aligns Virginia more closely with the aggressive immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump;”

WHEREAS, these policies represent an escalation of anti-immigrant measures that directly threaten the safety, well-being, and educational opportunities of undocumented students, faculty, and staff at George Mason University and necessitate a clear, principled stance from university leadership;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community calls upon the administration to publicly and unequivocally clarify its position on cooperating with federal and state immigration enforcement authorities, particularly in response to Executive Order 47 and future directives that threaten undocumented members of the university community;

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community demands that the university administration explicitly prohibit the George Mason University Police Department from assisting, facilitating, or otherwise cooperating with ICE or any other federal agencies seeking to detain or deport students, faculty, and staff based solely on their citizenship status;

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community urges the administration to formally designate George Mason University as a “sanctuary campus,” ensuring that all campus policies explicitly prohibit collaboration with immigration enforcement agencies and affirming Mason’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for undocumented students and employees;

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community calls upon the administration to publicly commit to the protections afforded by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which requires institutions to safeguard the privacy of student records and information, including immigration status;

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community calls upon the administration to live up to Mason's values as a public university and commit to protecting the rights of students, staff, and faculty, including undocumented community members as well as those on F-1, J-1, and H1-B visas—and to make clear that George Mason University will not cooperate in any way with these unjust policies of intimidation and deportation;

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community calls on the administration to implement “Know Your Rights” training sessions for students, faculty, and staff, providing clear guidance on:

• The legal rights of individuals when approached by ICE;

• The distinction between judicial warrants and administrative ICE warrants and what legally constitutes enforcement authority;

• Campus spaces that are legally protected from warrantless entry by federal agents;

• The university’s specific policies on protecting the privacy and safety of undocumented individuals;

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community urges the administration to provide legal and financial resources for students, faculty, and staff facing immigration challenges, including funding for immigration attorneys, legal workshops, and emergency support for individuals at risk of detention or deportation; and

RESOLVED, The George Mason University community demands that the university immediately issue an official statement reaffirming its commitment to protecting undocumented students, faculty, and staff and explicitly rejecting any collaboration with federal immigration enforcement agencies in ways that endanger the Mason community.