President Stritikus elaborates on the critical work we must jointly undertake to foster an equitable environment, protect the rights of immigrant/international students, and preserve academic freedom.
Dear Occidental community:
I have had multiple conversations with faculty, staff, students, and alumni about the ongoing attacks on higher education by the Trump administration, as well as recent reports of antisemitism on our campus.
I’d like to elaborate on the critical work we must jointly undertake to foster an equitable environment, protect the rights of immigrant/international students, and preserve academic freedom. These intersecting issues require ongoing dialogue and action.
Addressing Antisemitism on Campus
Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber spoke eloquently about the Trump Administration's use of antisemitism as a suspect pretense to attack higher education, while at the same time acknowledging that colleges must do more to address antisemitism. I share his nuanced view, that we can criticize the blunt and undemocratic tools wielded to solve a problem, while acknowledging that a problem does exist.
I am deeply concerned by recent reports of antisemitic language in the context of a campus protest, and reports of students feeling unwelcome or unable to express themselves in the fullness and variety of their Jewish identities. I recognize the invaluable contributions of our Jewish community members and want Oxy to be not only a safe place for them, but a welcoming destination for Jewish students and scholars worldwide — we all have a part to play in making that so.
We will continue to build upon various initiatives to provide training and education about antisemitism, to hold one another accountable under our policies, and to create more intentional and effective modes of discourse. Our shared community values are at stake when there is discrimination against any group of students, including those who are Jewish and Israeli.
Addressing Immigration Concerns
The College has taken the following steps and made the following commitments to address potential immigration enforcement actions:
- The Dean of the College, working with International Programs, will work with any existing international student who may be subject to arbitrary and capricious visa revocation to identify customized pathways for completing their degree from afar.
- In consultation with faculty and student leadership, the College will make Johnson Hall accessible only by keycard to provide another private space on campus. More information about this measure will be provided by ITS in the coming days. Special thanks to ASOC for raising awareness about how to help address student needs.
- Occidental College joined several other institutions in signing an amicus brief expressing concerns about the government’s policy of revoking the visas of and arresting, detaining, and deporting noncitizen students and faculty based on ideology.
- We have published protocols related to immigration issues, which are available on the College’s website.
- In compliance with federal, state, and local laws, the College does not disclose students’ educational records except as permitted under FERPA or with a student’s express written consent (see complete FERPA Policy).
- The College has committed to providing timely guidance to the campus community related to potential immigration enforcement actions.
- The College has arranged for immigration consultations and referrals for students as well as legal representation to support faculty who are traveling for work and may have visa-related questions. Faculty may reach out to the general counsel (Nora Kahn, nkahn@oxy.edu) to coordinate legal support. Students may contact the ICC.
In addition to these specific activities, we will continue to explore ways to protect members of our international community and undocumented students in response to an ever evolving situation. Much of this work is in what the College is committed to not doing: not dictating what scholars may teach, not limiting the topics that students may discuss, not un-enrolling students based on documentation status, and not voluntarily assisting agents who are charged with detaining or deporting Oxy community members.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
Last week, I spoke on the record about the consequences of threats to academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the civil rights of students. Freedom of expression and institutional autonomy are essential to maintaining academic excellence, and I will vigorously defend these values.
Sustaining them will require us to be coordinated and intentional. We will continue to pursue collective action alongside other college presidents and national associations. To support this work, we have secured the services of an alum with extensive experience in public affairs who will help us develop the most impactful strategy. I will also be posting two summer fellowships for students to assist with this effort and will form a faculty advisory committee to provide additional guidance. I’ll share more details in the coming days.
Our core value of community calls on us to create spaces for open discourse— seeking truth and understanding with a spirit of mutual respect, and without requiring consensus or conformity. It is in that spirit that I share this message with you. Because of our people, Occidental College is a truly remarkable institution. I stand with you as we protect and defend our work.
Best,
Tom