Following a series of executive orders and new legislation from the new U.S. presidential administration and 119th U.S. Congress, a cross-functional team of College leaders have been working to review the orders and their impact on the institution. At this time, there are very few answers about the policy changes, but the College will share more as more information becomes available.
With heightened concerns about immigration, identity, processes and culture, we would like to remind students, faculty and staff about existing policies and resources in place to support those in our community.
Visits from Law Enforcement Agencies
Occasionally, outside law enforcement agencies will come to campus for investigations under their jurisdiction.
Regardless of the factual complexities of any matter, these three steps will ensure a consistent institutional approach to any interaction.
Remain calm and professional.
Officers may be on campus unrelated to enforcement actions as part of routine immigration matters, career recruitment, or educational events.
Ask the individual to identify themselves by providing a name, identification number, and agency affiliation. Ask them to wait in the closest public common space available while you contact an administrator designated as the point of contact for these matters. You might say, “I understand you are here to enforce immigration law, but I am obligated to call our General Counsel before you proceed.”
Do not take any action that could be perceived as interfering with the officer’s official duties.
Contact appropriate officials.
First, call Campus Safety at (309) 341-7979, report the situation, and ask to speak with Bradley Nolden, general counsel and vice president for administration.
If Vice President Nolden is not available, Campus Safety will ensure that he receives the information and will call back shortly.
Protect student and employee privacy.
Inform the agent you are consulting with College administration, who will be able to answer their questions, and you are not obstructing their process.
Please do not answer questions or provide personally identifiable information about yourself or anyone else unless directed to do so by the General Counsel. This might include things like contact information, class lists, or student schedules.
Remember, you are obligated to protect privacy under FERPA and other regulations.
The Office of the Attorney General issued information to help immigrants living in Illinois protect themselves and their loved ones from unconstitutional and discriminatory action.
Faculty and staff, as employees of the College, should be aware of their legal obligations to protect student information under FERPA. Student education records include any written or recorded information about students, contact information, grades or advising records, medical information, student life or behavior records, etc.
The Knox Office of Communications, as well as other offices, departments, clubs, and organizations, produces content (photos, videos, web stories) that may feature students. When creating content that includes students, please obtain their permission before sharing the content. Students who do not wish to have their image used for marketing purposes, please fill-out a media opt-out form.
For Students
Federal immigration enforcement officers are required to have a criminal arrest or search warrant to lawfully enter limited access, nonpublic areas without consent. Most often, immigration officers who might come to campus would be acting on civil, not criminal, authority, and generally carry administrative warrants. Administrative warrants are not signed by a judge and do not authorize officers to enter limited access areas without consent, including residence halls.
Campus Resources
Counseling Services is dedicated to providing services to Knox College students. To request an appointment or inquire about eligibility for services, please call the office during office hours. You can also send us an email to counseling@knox.edu.
TimelyCare provides 24/7 access to virtual care from anywhere in the United States at no additional cost to you. This service is provided in addition to our on-campus Counseling Services. Visit timelycare.com/knox or download the TimelyCare app from your app store and register with your Knox email address. You can then start visits from any web-enabled device – smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop – anywhere in the United States.
Questions may also be directed to the Interim Title IX Coordinator, Kari Hohn, at 309-341-7751 or cultureofrespect@knox.edu.
