The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the University of Maryland Student Government Association’s (SGA) recent passage of a resolution urging the university to adopt sanctuary campus protections in a move that reflects growing student concern for safety, dignity, and equal access to education for all students, regardless of immigration status.
SEE: UMD SGA urges university to become sanctuary campus
The resolution calls on the university to protect student information in accordance with privacy laws and provide greater transparency and resources for undocumented and immigrant students.
In a statement, CAIR said:
“We applaud the SGA’s efforts to promote safe and equitable learning environments that protect students’ rights, prioritize their safety, and do not potentially subject them to discriminatory enforcement practices.
Many colleges and universities across the country offer protections and services for undocumented students, with some institutions formally adopting a sanctuary campus designation.
“Many more have implemented policies that protect undocumented students without formally adopting the “sanctuary campus” label. These measures often include commitments to uphold student privacy rights under federal law, refuse access to non-public campus spaces without a warrant, provide legal resources, and ensure equitable treatment for all students.
“From a civil rights and educational access perspective, policies that protect student privacy, support due process, and reaffirm institutional values of inclusion boost morale and create safer, more equitable campus climates. Such policies help ensure that institutions of higher learning remain spaces of education – not fear.”
CAIR emphasized that sanctuary campus protections help prevent discriminatory enforcement practices that can undermine trust and campus safety.
The civil rights group urges UMD administrators to engage meaningfully with students, faculty, and impacted communities as they consider the SGA’s resolution, and to reaffirm the university’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and the educational success of all students regardless of immigration status.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com