Undergraduate Student Government, Brooklyn College, Fall Semester

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

To:         Brooklyn College Administration, Brooklyn College Faculty Council, CUNY Central

Administration, CUNY USS

From:   Events Director, Dylan Karlowski

Date:        Monday, November 18th 2024

Title:         USG Joint Proposition 004: Resolution in Support of Undocumented and Vulnerable Students

Whereas, the election of Donald Trump has created concern for the ability of undocumented students to continue their residence in the United States and their education at Brooklyn College due to his promises of “mass deportation”^[1] of undocumented immigrants with the use of military personnel.^[2]

Whereas, that proposed action in addition to his administration’s previous history of separating immigrant children from their parents^[3] has created justified concern for our fellow students which must be addressed in a manner that affirms their rights and safety on campus.

Whereas, the term “undocumented” is used to describe all immigrants who reside in the United States without legal status;^[4]

Whereas, some students at Brooklyn College are undocumented students who have the equal right to education, safety on campus, and the residence requisite to the completion of their degrees,

Whereas, in the past under the administration of Donald Trump, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has targeted undocumented students,^[5]

Whereas, Trump has previously targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community and empowered state legislatures to pass laws restricting gender expression and inclusion,^[6]

Therefore, let it be RESOLVED that the administration of Brooklyn College publish a statement affirming the rights of undocumented and other vulnerable students on the website “www.brooklyn.edu”, to be emailed to the students, staff, and faculty. Further, we call on the administration to assemble a one-page document with information regarding the rights of undocumented students as well as a directory of relevant legal, mental/physical health services, and any other resources on or off campus that could conceivably be of use to them or other vulnerable students. This document should be posted on bulletin boards in the Cafeteria, Library, Student Center, and Learning Center, as well as in other areas of high traffic.

Be it further RESOLVED, we call on the board of trustees of CUNY to affirm the rights of undocumented students, as well as affirm an intent of non-compliance with the United States Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement if asked to provide personal information of undocumented students as is their right as an agency operating in the sanctuary city of New York. We call on the CUNY University Student Senate to join in calling on the Board of Trustees to affirm their intent.

Be it further RESOLVED, we call on the Faculty Council of Brooklyn College to affirm the rights of immigrant students and their intent of non-compliance with the United States Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement if asked to provide personal details of undocumented students. We call on the Faculty Council to urge the CUNY University Faculty Senate to affirm the above rights and intent.

Be it further RESOLVED, that the safety and rights of undocumented students and other vulnerable students be referred to the faculty-student relations committee of the Policy Council body for discussion and potential action in bolstering resources or conducting outreach to assess student needs.

Be it further RESOLVED, the information for the Immigrant Student Success Office, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the Undergraduate Student Government, and the Women’s Center be included on all course syllabi, including room number, contact information, and the name of a contact within the office.

Be it further RESOLVED, the Brooklyn College administration organize a town hall of students, faculty, staff, and administrators in collaboration with the Immigrant Student Success Office, Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies, International Student Office, and the LGTBQ+ Resource Center to discuss the current political moment and how we might best understand and support our student populations, which in light of Donald Trump’s victory, may become subject to discriminatory legislation or practices.

_______________________ Noam Abrahams                        ______________________ Nitu Farhin

USG President                                                         President of Student Senate                                

_____________________ Taseen Islam

        Clerk of Student Senate