Faith-based, Advocacy Groups Issue Call to Action Amid National Reports of Student Abductions, Detentions
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today repeated its call for protection against the unconstitutional distribution of student data after joining students, faculty, Jewish Voice for Peace Baltimore and others at a news conference last week to release a letter signed by nearly 60 faith-based organizations and advocacy groups.
In the letter led by CAIR, the groups urged Governor Wes Moore, Attorney General Anthony Brown and state lawmakers to safeguard students’ rights by prohibiting Maryland colleges and universities from sharing student data with federal agencies without a warrant signed by a judge.
This call comes amidst alarming national reports of unlawful student abductions and detentions on campuses across the country.
READ SIGN ON LETTER.
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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 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.
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“No student, regardless of immigration status, should be afraid of the possibility that their personal informational will be arbitrarily disclosed to government agencies or politicians for possible retaliation,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “It’s imperative that we demand accountability and protections for students.”
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.”
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