Regarding the Creation of a Sanctuary Campus at University of New Mexico
WHEREAS, the University of New Mexico (UNM) is committed, like all institutions of higher education, to fostering a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for our whole community; and
WHEREAS, UNM is committed to its policies of non-discrimination and equal opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the UNM academic community, and post-secondary institutions across the country are concerned about the increase in hate crimes and inflammatory language around the United States, including New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, the proposed statements of the current presidential administration could undermine the safety and security of members of the UNM community and their families, particularly those students and staff who are not United States citizens; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of UNM and the State of New Mexico to not deny admission to public post-secondary institutions because of a student’s immigration status, NMSA 1978, § 21-1-4.6(A); and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of UNM and the State of New Mexico to extend certain tuition rates or state-funded financial aid regardless of immigration status, NMSA 1978, § 21-1-4.6(B); and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of UNM and the State of New Mexico to not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, physical or mental disability, serious medical condition, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, and gender identity (NMSA 1978, § 28-1-7); and
WHEREAS, two internal 2011 memos issued by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) indicate that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are subject to certain restrictions upon entering college campuses, and should exercise discretion in the prosecution of high school and college students (Memorandum Regarding Enforcement Actions at or Focused on Sensitive Locations, issued October 24, 2011, and Memorandum Regarding Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion Consistent with the Civil Immigration Enforcement Priorities of the Agency for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Aliens, issued June 17, 2011); and
WHEREAS, a large number of universities and colleges throughout the country are in the process of declaring themselves to be a “Sanctuary Campus” to signal their continued commitment to protect all members of their campus communities regardless of their immigration status.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the faculty senate recommend to the UNM administration that we join the ranks of other universities and colleges by adopting the spirit, values, and principles of a sanctuary campus.
Furthermore, consistent with the spirit, values, and principles of a sanctuary campus, be it resolved that the faculty senate recommend to the UNM administration that it take the following actions, to protect the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and the broader community to the extent legally possible:
Section 1. Make a clear, unconditional statement highlighting the enormously enriching value that foreign-born and undocumented people bring to our campuses and communities.
Section 2. Protect student privacy and insure confidentiality by prohibiting the release of information about students’ immigration status to law enforcement agencies and federal agencies, except upon issuance and receipt of a warrant.
Section 3. Instruct UNM Police and UNM Staff to refrain from collaborating with or volunteering information to ICE for the purposes of immigration enforcement or employment verification.
Section 4. Refuse access to campus and other UNM-controlled property to federal immigration officials for the purposes of immigration enforcement, except in exigent circumstances or upon issuance and receipt of a warrant.
Section 5. Assign specific administrative staff to assist, on a strictly confidential basis, UNM’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (“DACA”) students and other students who lack the protections of citizenship.
Section 6. Implement campus-wide training and programs in de escalation intervention techniques, upstander intervention, and antibullying.
Section 7. Commit to providing adequate counseling services for UNM students, including mental health professionals who have competency in working with politically marginalized communities.
Section 8. Commit to maintaining and raising new scholarships for students who are ineligible for federal aid, as well as pursuing additional fundraising efforts to assist students, including fellowships, paid internships, and other sources of support.
Section 9. Implement a forum for ongoing feedback from students, faculty, and staff about campus climate and additional future actions to protect the safety and dignity of the UNM community.
Section 10. Offer workshops on knowing your rights and availability of legal services for students, faculty, staff and community members.
Passed at
February 28, 2017 Senate meeting at , Scholes Hall Roberts Room (204)