Students and staff at the University of Rochester are urging the university administration to designate the university as a sanctuary campus.
The online petition comes as a similar effort is underway at other colleges and universities around the country. The concern is that President-Elect Donald Trump might rescind an executive order that granted temporary status to students living in the country illegally.
Some advocates want administrators to block federal immigration authorities from searching campuses.
The petition from the U of R students and staff urges university officials to use all lawful means available to resist the release of any information about students to immigration enforcement authorities and declare the university a sanctuary for undocumented students, workers and community members.
U of R officials have not responded specifically to the petition, but they did release this general statement:
The University of Rochester has an unwavering commitment to protect the private information of our students and employees, which includes immigration status. This policy is in accordance with New York State and federal laws. We are continuing to closely monitor any potential changes to immigration laws and regulations, communicate openly within the University about how any proposed changes could possibly impact our people or institution, and offer reassurance and support to our international students, scholars and employees through many University offices and resources, including our International Services Offices.
The petition calling for the sanctuary campus does say those in favor of it are heartened by recent comments by U of R President Joel Seligman regarding respect for diversity, but it feels that now there needs to more direct action.
A spokesperson for the petitioners says she plans to meet with university officials this week.
