Message to the Skidmore Community from the Office of General Counsel and VP of Human Resources: Community Information and Resources Regarding Federal Immigration Actions
April 18, 2025
To the Skidmore Community:
‌‌You have likely seen reports of recent immigration enforcement activity in Saratoga Springs and many other communities across the country. We recognize that these developments — particularly those affecting international students at colleges and universities nationwide — may raise questions and concerns for members of the Skidmore community. We write to you today to acknowledge these concerns, to address some misinformation that has been brought to our attention, and to provide an update on how Skidmore is supporting members of our international community.
‌For the most up-to-date information, please visit this page, which provides links to important information about the constitutional rights of international students and faculty, the College’s protocol for responding to contact from federal immigration agents, travel guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions. The page will be updated as needed.
‌We are not aware of any federal action involving the Skidmore campus, students, or employees at this time. It has been brought to our attention that there are several rumors making their way across campus and social media, and we wish to provide our community with accurate information. The recent arrest in downtown Saratoga Springs by immigration agents did not involve a Skidmore student or employee. While the College has cautioned international students and faculty to reconsider nonessential travel outside of the U.S., the College has not advised students or faculty to avoid leaving campus or going downtown. Similarly, the College has not advised students or faculty on visas to leave the U.S. following the end of the spring semester to avoid possible deportation. To the contrary, Student Academic Services is actively working with international students and scholars to meet their summer housing needs.
‌Prevalent media reports of visa revocations, arrests, and deportations of international students and faculty at institutions of higher education across the country understandably sow uncertainty and alarm for many members of our community. To update our entire community on the continuing efforts across campus to support our international students and faculty, please note the following activities that have occurred since our last community information session held on March 20:
- ‌April 3: Informational forum for international students hosted by Student Academic Services and the International Student Union
- ‌April 9: Protocol for Federal Law Enforcement Requests for Information and Campus Visits tabletop exercise with Campus Safety, Student Academic Services, Office of Communications and Marketing, and General Counsel
- April 10: NY6 “Know Your Rights” webinar for international students with immigration attorney Crystal Malik
- April 11: Dean of faculty office hours on recent federal action
- ‌April 11: Listening session for international faculty hosted by the Office of the
Dean of Faculty
‌Weekly: łÔąĎ±¬ÁĎ, Connection, and Care drop-in hours hosted by the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and the Counseling Center each Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. in Wyckoff Center.
‌The work of supporting our international community is shared across multiple offices across campus. These offices are also currently collaborating on our next all-community information session, “Navigating Uncertainty Together Part II.” Please watch your email for an announcement with additional details.
‌College leadership will continue to monitor local and national events and remain in contact with national higher education advocacy organizations, government officials, local law and immigration enforcement connections, and legal counsel to provide our community with the most recent and accurate information. Please be mindful of information sources — anonymous social media posts and viral content are often misleading — and know that there are multiple on-campus resources you can trust to provide correct information and guidance.
‌‌We ask every member of the Skidmore community to be familiar with Skidmore’s protocol for responding to contact from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or other federal agencies. This comprehensive response plan provides up-to-date information for faculty, staff, and students, as well as a list of dedicated staff members who can offer additional support as needed. The page also includes in the FAQ a link to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) which outlines rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
‌Here are a couple of key things to note:
- ‌In the event of a campus visit by federal authorities, please remain courteous and
immediately contact Campus Safety at 518-580-5566. Campus Safety will activate the
necessary campus resources for immediate response depending on the situation.
‌Have available on your person or at your work station the following message to provide to an agent: “I am not authorized to grant access to non-public areas, share information about students or employees, or accept legal documents on behalf of Skidmore College. I will contact the appropriate College representatives who can assist you.” - ‌As an academic community, we ground ourselves in facts and critical thinking. As a caring community, we demonstrate support for one another. As leaders, we can and will persevere in our mission of educating our diverse student body regardless of the uncertainty brought by the current political climate. Thank you as we work together to keep our community informed and safe.