Protocol for Possible ICE Enforcement Actions at Stevens Institute of Technology |
From: Timothy Griffin, Chief of Stevens Campus Police, and Kathy L. Schulz, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
To: Stevens Students, Faculty and Staff Members |
We are writing to clarify the protocol for the Stevens community if agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) come to campus for enforcement actions. While we have no information to suggest that Stevens is the target of any enforcement action, you may have seen recent media reports and local activity involving ICE in the region, including Hoboken and Jersey City. Stevens’ campus is open, and there is a possibility that ICE agents may come to campus without prior notice.
In the event of a visit from ICE, members of the Stevens community should follow the guidance contained in the “Protocol for Possible ICE Enforcement Actions at Stevens Institute of Technology,” listed below. Our goal is to protect the privacy of our community members, respect our legal obligations and ensure that Stevens’ educational activities are not disrupted. This guidance may be updated periodically to help inform and support Stevens’ faculty, staff and students.
In addition, we recognize the anxiety, stress and fear that some members of our community may be experiencing. Please remember that free, confidential mental health counseling and crisis intervention services are available to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Counseling and Psychological Services. Outside of normal business hours, a CAPS therapist can always be reached by phone at 201-216-5177. All Stevens students are also eligible to receive free and unlimited teletherapy from Uwill. Stevens also offers employees confidential professional counseling through its Employee Assistance Program: call 800-344-9752, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit guidanceresources.com to access this program.
Protocol for Possible ICE Enforcement Actions at Stevens Institute of Technology
The primary offices at Stevens that will support faculty, staff and students in responding to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are Campus Police and the Office of General Counsel, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
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| Office of General Counsel
Kathy Schulz, General Counsel
Mobile: 212-677-5370 (text or call)
Email: kschulz1@stevens.edu
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If you are approached by an ICE agent, follow the protocol below:
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Stay Calm and Professional: Maintain a calm demeanor to avoid escalating the situation.
- Immediately Contact Campus Police and General Counsel: Explain to the agent that you are required by University policy to immediately contact both the General Counsel and Chief of Stevens’ Campus Police. Then please call those individuals immediately. You may also provide the contact information above to the ICE agent.
- Verify Credentials: Politely request the agent’s name, badge or ID number, telephone number and business card. Convey that information to the General Counsel and Chief of Police together with any other information or documentation provided to you.
- Do Not Hinder or Obstruct: Do not take any action or make any statement to hinder or obstruct an ICE agent.
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Request a Warrant or Subpoena: In order to obtain information about a member of the Stevens’ community or enter a campus facility, as a general matter, a warrant or subpoena will be required. If the ICE agent has a warrant or subpoena, please convey that to the General Counsel and Chief of Campus Police.
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Urgent Circumstances: If an ICE officer claims that there are urgent circumstances requiring their immediate entry, do not interfere with them, but you are not required to allow them to proceed without interference and call the General Counsel and Chief of Police.
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Information Requests: If an ICE agent requests information about a student, faculty member or member of the staff, including where they are located, refer the ICE agent to the General Counsel and Chief of Police. You may assure them that you are striving to comply with applicable laws and policies affecting Stevens.
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Comply with FERPA: Stevens and its employees are required to comply with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student educational records, unless certain circumstances apply. The General Counsel will advise on the applicability of FERPA.
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