RALEIGH, N.C. - The ACLU of North Carolina sent a letter to the University of North Carolina following Chancellor Lee Roberts’ expression of intent to “comply with any requests from law enforcement” when asked about the deluge of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, especially regarding cooperation with ICE. President Trump has expressed determination to execute mass deportations, including targeting sensitive spaces where the agency was previously prohibited from executing immigration enforcement and arrests. On January 21st, the Department of Homeland Security said that removing these restrictions would “prevent ‘criminals’ from hiding in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”
“The ACLU of North Carolina strongly condemns both the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to rescind the “sensitive areas” policy, and UNC’s decision to prioritize voluntary compliance with ICE over protecting students,” said Michele Delgado, staff attorney with the ACLU of North Carolina. “Cooperation with ICE undermines student safety, especially for minoritized students, and undermines learning for all students. UNC is not legally required to comply with ICE, unless there is a valid court order or judicial subpoena.”
As stated in the letter, granting ICE access to student records:
- Creates an environment of fear and distrust
- Undermines the university’s reputation of global recruitment and inclusivity
- Disrupts the contribution of diverse thoughts, expertise, and financial contributions to the university
- Increases mental strain for students with mixed-status families
The letter urges UNC to abide by their legal obligations to protect the privacy rights of their students. The letter cites FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) requirements to protect personally identifiable student information, the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, and Title IV’s prohibition of discrimination based on “race, color, or national origin.”
Please read full letter here.
