Asked if we could speak with the students, how long they had been studying at the college prior to their visas being revoked, if they were given a timeframe within which to leave the country, or if the students in question were already gone, college officials said they were unable to provide any further information. The impacted students were unavailable for interviews.

 

As reported, a student sit-in for Gaza was held on the Bronx campus on May 3, 2024, while a separate rally was held outside the campus on the same cause. We were unable to enter the university at that time to interview students and only spoke to those who were outside the grounds.

 

Regarding the latest situation, we also asked college officials if federal agents had entered the university grounds and they said not that they were aware. “We found out about the visas by proactively checking the database,” a university spokesperson said.

Fordham officials added that they have shared resources for students on the college website. In an excerpt, entitled “Updates on Evolving Political Landscape” on its website, they wrote, “The current political landscape is marked by rapid change. New federal legislation, executive orders, and policy shifts have created uncertainty for many members of our campus community, and we understand that these developments may raise significant concerns for our students, faculty, staff, and Fordham families.”

The extract continued, “Fordham University’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment remains steadfast. As a Jesuit institution, we deeply value each community member and recognize the challenges that the current climate can present to your academic pursuits, scholarly research, and professional endeavors.”

 

They said the webpage is designed to serve as a central, reliable resource for navigating what they described as this “turbulent period.” They added, “Our goal is to provide clear and timely updates on how the shifting landscape may affect you, your studies, your work, and the University as a whole. Beyond simply informing, we aim to connect you with the specific resources and support systems to help you with the inevitable challenges that arise.”

 

It continued, “We ask that departments and units refrain from altering policies, procedures, or regulations without explicit guidance from the Office of Legal Counsel, the Office of the Provost, or their respective vice president.” Officials added that guidance would be updated as new information becomes available.

More information was made available in sections entitled “Immigration and International Issues,”  “Diversity and Inclusion,” “Financial Aid,” and “Research.”

 

Students were advised that if they are on a Fordham campus and approached by a law enforcement officer who requests access to University facilities, and they inquire about members of the campus community, or requests access to student records, they should immediately follow the following steps:

• Step 1:Ask the law enforcement officer for their name, identification number, and agency affiliation.
• Step 2: Inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process but do not have the authority to release information without consulting the University administration. Contact Public Safety at 718-817-2222 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-6076 (Lincoln Center) and request a Duty Supervisor, and they and others will help determine the appropriate next steps.
• Step 3: Public Safety will obtain whatever judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena the law enforcement officers may present and immediately connect with Fordham’s Office of Legal Counsel to evaluate the documents. Public Safety will coordinate with law enforcement to serve warrants/subpoenas, if necessary.

Fordham officials added, “Unless law enforcement officers are responding to a lawful request, Public Safety will not allow them on campus, nor share any student or employee information with them. Law enforcement officers must provide judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, which Fordham’s Office of Legal Counsel will verify before access to campus property will be granted.”

 

Norwood News has reached out to the federal government for comment on this situation and will share any updates we receive. As reported, a man was arrested by ICE officials in Bedford Park on April 14.

 

Meanwhile, New York City Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA), and Make The Road NY, New York Communities for Change, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ), Student Workers of Columbia, local electeds, and others gathered for a rally at Federal Building Plaza in Manhattan, on Friday, April 18, to call on the New York State legislature “to free unjustly detained New Yorkers, pass NY for All and Dignity Not Detention, and ensure the protection of first amendment rights for all New Yorkers.”

 

“From students detained for protesting to end the genocide in Palestine to teenagers swept up in ICE raids, no New Yorker should live in terror of being kidnapped by ICE,” they said.

 

Norwood News is also in contact with CUNY regarding the situation with its international students. More to follow.

 

Any students who would like to speak to us, please send us a DM via Messenger here, and we can call you. Alternatively, you can text us on (646) 531 6858.

 

For some prior Fordham University coverage and an op-ed, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.