Faith-based, Advocacy, Student Groups Encouraged to Join Call to Action Amid National Reports of Student Abductions, Detentions
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is inviting faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, and student associations across the state to join the cause to safeguard students’ rights and safety by signing on to a letter to state officials including Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown to prohibit colleges and universities in Maryland from sharing student data with federal agencies unless they first present a warrant signed by a judge.
This call comes amidst alarming national reports of unlawful student abductions and detentions on campuses across the country.
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In light of growing concerns regarding government overreach and its impact on students—particularly those from marginalized communities—the open letter urges Maryland officials to take swift action to protect students’ rights and ensure their safety in educational environments.
Recent reports have highlighted a disturbing trend of students being targeted and detained under dubious circumstances, raising serious questions about the implications for civil liberties and the safety of young individuals. CAIR believes it is crucial for community leaders and organizations to unite in this effort to advocate for policies that prioritize student welfare and protect against unwarranted government intrusion.
“No student should be afraid of the possibility that their personal informational will be disclosed to government agencies or politicians for possible retaliation against their political viewpoints,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “It’s imperative that we come together as a community to demand accountability and protections for students. By signing on to this letter, organizations can show their commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for students in Maryland.”
The letter reads in part:
“The federal government’s attempts to unconstitutionally pressure universities into repressing free speech and assisting with immigration enforcement not only intrude upon the autonomy of these institutions but also threaten the very essence of learning. We cannot allow external pressures to silence the diverse voices that enrich our academic communities.
Maryland’s colleges and universities must firmly resist any coercive efforts to become agents of federal immigration enforcement. Legal precedents affirm that state and local institutions cannot be compelled to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws. Landmark cases such as United States v. California and City of El Cenizo v. Texas clearly establish that the federal government cannot commandeer state resources for its enforcement agenda.
By publicly exhibiting your support to protect student privacy, you will send a strong message that Maryland stands firmly behind the core mission of educational institutions to foster an environment of learning and growth. Allowing universities to act as conduits for immigration enforcement would undermine this mission and jeopardize the safety and well-being of students.”
Over fifty organizations have signed on so far. The deadline to sign on is Monday, March 31 at 5pm.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062;
CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293