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To the UMass community,

We write to you in a moment of great anxiety and uncertainty, especially as the most vulnerable among us have been singled out because of our identities, national origins and beliefs. First and foremost, we want to extend our deepest care and solidarity to every member of our community who is feeling the weight of these times. As Chancellor Reyes has affirmed – to our students, our staff, and our faculty – you belong here, and we are here for you.

In recent weeks, we’ve received several deeply concerning and heartbreaking reports of community members – especially students – being harassed through social media accounts not affiliated with the university. This is not how reasoned debate or disagreement should take place, and we unequivocally condemn harassment, hatred and intimidation in all forms. If you or someone you know is experiencing this kind of targeting, we urge you to report it. The university will review each report with care and seriousness and will provide the necessary support. Resources on online harassment are also available through our Equal Opportunity and Access Office. Every member of our community has the absolute right to live, learn and teach in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.

We affirm and honor every student’s right to feel safe. Online threats and the very real harm done to our scholars through unilateral visa revocations by the federal government weigh heavily on us all. To those of you who feel this weight more than others: Living authentically in this moment – whether by simply attending class or asserting your place in our community – is a powerful act of courage and resistance, and we stand with you.

We also want to speak to our commitment to transparency in how we provide support and critical information to the community; in doing so, we also ask for your help. We know that many of you have heard rumors about the presence of federal immigration law enforcement agents on campus. Dozens of these reports have been fielded, and to date, none have been true. ICE has not been on our campus. However, a federal agent performing a routine background check on a job applicant (with the applicant’s full knowledge and approval) was mistakenly identified as an ICE agent by someone who overheard the interaction. 

We understand that these reports are being shared out of genuine care and concern for each other. We ask, however, for a measure of caution in sharing unverified information. We also understand and welcome the desire to help and support each other; we’d like to share some resources and reminders. 

Last week, we added a new section to the Federal Actions page that provides guidance to international students and scholars on UMass sponsored visas who have questions or concerns about the government’s unilateral visa and status revocations. Within that section, there is also a FAQ and suggestions on how to create an emergency plan. Multiple offices across the university continue to coordinate efforts to best assist each student and provide the full scale of resources available to them. In addition, we continue to work towards increasing Student Legal Services’ capacity to provide free legal guidance to UMass students. Please continue to follow our Federal Actions page or sign up for updates when new information is added. 

We remain steadfast in our responsibility to protect and uplift every member of this community. You are not alone. We are here to support you, to stand with you, and to ensure that this campus remains a place of belonging, dignity and care.

Sincerely, 

Marsha McGriff
Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion

Shelly Perdomo-Ahmed
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life