WORCESTER -Worcester State University reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students in response to recent federal immigration enforcement policy changes. Despite WSU’s strong position in reaffirming its existing policies, the school has not announced any new policies providing undocumented students with additional protections.
In a Jan. 29 email to Worcester State students and employees, President Barry M. Maloney made it clear that the school continues to value the well-being of all students, regardless of documentation status. “Through the efforts of many faculty, staff, and students, we have built a strong foundation of inclusiveness and belonging on our campus that puts students first, and that will not change,” Maloney wrote.
The new federal policies, which include the mobilization of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE throughout the country, created uncertainty as many states, cities, and public universities chose not to cooperate with deportation efforts. Worcester State refuses to cooperate outside of actions required by law. Worcester State’s guidance aligns with existing laws and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s advisory.
The decision to rely on established legal frameworks has left some students and faculty on campus desiring more protections for undocumented students, or a stronger, more defiant statement. The university has not introduced any new measures to strengthen protections for undocumented students in the face of immigration enforcement practices, which have historically aimed to deceive and take advantage of undocumented college students.
As policy on this issue unfolds on the federal, state, city, and university levels, WSU plans to keep its community informed through continued email updates and campus conversations. The university website outlines procedures for how school employees should respond to inquiries from immigration agents.
