Dear Colgate Faculty, Students and Staff,
During the course of this presidential election season and after, there have been a number of statements made about proposed changes in immigration laws, federal enforcement of those laws, and potential changes in the enforcement practices of federal immigration agencies. These statements have caused significant debate, and are a matter of concern for many, across the nation, and on our campus. As a community that values the well-being of all its members, Colgate University needs to be alert to these potential changes and how they might affect faculty, staff, and students.
As of this writing it is not clear what, if any, modifications might be made in federal or local immigration laws, policies or practices. It is evident, though, that the situation is quite fluid. We must be prepared to engage thoughtfully with changing circumstances.
Toward this end, I have asked a small working group for an examination of what options Colgate has as an institution in regard to federal immigration policies and practices, and what issues are raised for the institution by these various options. This working group will be composed of two members of the Board of Trustees, Gus Coldebella and Michael Herling, Interim Dean of the Faculty and Provost Connie Harsh, and Vice President and Chief Information Officer Steve Fabiani. Once we have a framework for understanding these issues, I will work with the campus community consultatively to determine what steps Colgate might take in the areas of both practice and policy.
The central mission of the university is the education of its students, the pursuit of new knowledge by its faculty with our students, and the engagement of all members of the community in reasoned discourse in pursuit of understanding and truth. All members of this campus community should be able to continue their studies or their work firm in the knowledge that the university is fully committed to the diversity of its population and the inclusion of all in its mission.
Most sincerely,
Brian W. Casey
President
