BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Western Washington University has updated its rules to protect students from immigration enforcement.
University President Sabah Randhawa approved the interim school policy on Friday, Jan. 17.
It states that university resources cannot be used to assist in immigration enforcement, including surveillance on its campus. Employees are not allowed to collect information about a student’s immigration or citizenship status unless absolutely necessary.
The school also added procedure for employees and staff to follow if federal immigration officers show up on campus.
The university says the updates will ensure that its policy aligns with state law, which prevents public universities from using their resources for immigration enforcement purposes.
It comes as the Olympian reports a Justice Department memo outlined President Trump’s intention to target deportation efforts in sanctuary states such as Washington.
Gov. Bob Ferguson later said that Washington state is preparing its response to Trump’s plans.
