In October, the Sanctuary Policy Letter from the Student Body (LSB) was passed by the student body. This letter, which urges Stevens to adopt Sanctuary University protections for undocumented, international, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and other legally vulnerable students, was formally reviewed by the Office of the President and the President’s Cabinet. A written response has since been issued to the student body on behalf of the administration on December 1.
To qualify as a successful LSB, at least 10% of undergraduates must vote, and two-thirds must support the proposal. The Sanctuary Policy letter surpassed both requirements by a significant margin — 778 students participated in the vote (19.1% of undergraduates), with 712 voting in favor (91.5%), 58 opposed (7.5%), and 8 abstaining (1.0%). Because voting thresholds were met, the Student Government Association (SGA) transmitted the proposal to University leadership for review, as outlined in the LSB procedure. The SGA does not endorse, edit, or oppose LSB proposals; its function is solely to facilitate the voting and delivery process.
The Sanctuary proposal requests a university-wide commitment to protections such as refusal of voluntary cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, limits on data disclosure, restrictions on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to campus buildings without a warrant, expanded confidential support for undocumented and international students, and guaranteed freedom of political expression without academic or disciplinary consequence. The letter also calls for increased legal resources, trauma-informed mental health care, campus-wide de-escalation training, communication protocols in the event of ICE presence, and academic continuity options for students facing deportation or legal uncertainty. The proposers ask the administration to declare Stevens a Sanctuary University beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year.
In response, the President’s Cabinet acknowledged the effort and collaboration behind the proposal, stating that the letter reflects “a shared commitment to ensuring that Stevens remains a community where every student, faculty and staff member feels safe, respected and supported — regardless of background, identity or immigration status.” The response reaffirms that Stevens condemns discrimination and upholds privacy protections already established under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the university’s anti-discrimination policies.
However, while supportive of core principles within the proposal, the administration clarified limitations and legal boundaries. The response notes that the term “Sanctuary University” has no singular legal definition, and that Stevens must comply with federal and state laws to maintain eligibility for federal funding, including financial aid and government-supported research. The response outlines areas where current university policies already align with requests, as well as instances where the institution cannot expand protections beyond what the law permits.
In response, the university cited ongoing policies and legal compliance:
- Privacy & Information Disclosure: Stevens does not voluntarily share student information with third parties, including federal agencies, and only discloses records under a valid court order or subpoena in accordance with FERPA.
- ICE & Law Enforcement Access: A warrant or subpoena is required to access campus buildings for searches or arrests. Due to Stevens’ open urban campus structure, outdoor areas cannot be legally restricted. Campus Police do not perform immigration enforcement duties except during immediate safety threats.
- Legal & Mental Health Resources: Stevens does not have the financial capacity to provide free immigration legal services, but International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) maintains a list of qualified attorneys. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will explore further training to support marginalized student communities.
- Training & Crisis Response: Campus Police already undergo biannual de-escalation training; the university commits to expanding this training to additional administrators by June 2026.
- Academic Continuity: Remote accommodations may be made case-by-case for students facing legal or personal obstacles to on-campus attendance.
- Freedom of Expression: The university emphasizes commitment to peaceful advocacy without disciplinary consequences, as long as actions fall within university conduct policies and applicable laws. The response also clarifies that student conduct processes do not include student adjudicators due to privacy and impartiality concerns.
The Cabinet concludes by expressing gratitude for student engagement, stating that the university “remains committed to maintaining a campus environment where all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, identity, or beliefs, can learn, work, and live free from discrimination and fear.” While the university did not adopt a formal Sanctuary designation nor commit to all protections requested, leadership affirmed areas of existing alignment and indicated willingness to continue dialogue with students.
The Sanctuary Policy LSB now joins a growing history of student-driven advocacy initiatives at Stevens. Though the administration’s response falls short of full adoption of the proposal, university officials expressed openness to continued collaboration with the student body, citing shared values of safety, inclusivity, and community support.
