Dear Campus Community,
Like many of you, I was shocked on Saturday to see chemical gas washing over a peaceful march of protesters in Southwest Portland just two miles from our campus. To see this happen in our own city after watching the horrible and unjustified killing of innocents in Minneapolis — and the many more who have perished in the custody of immigration enforcement agents — is upsetting to many of us.
It is clear that the core values of our democracy are under threat and I am grateful to Portland Mayor Keith Wilson for his strong rebuke of ICE and their presence in our city.
As we continue to witness and read about these disturbing events, it is important to remember to take care of your own mental health, especially while we look out for one another. The citizens of Minneapolis are setting a strong example of how community care, mutual aid and peaceful protest will win the day. When we feel powerless, standing up together is the best way to take that power back.
As a sanctuary campus, we are committed to taking whatever steps we can to protect all of our students regardless of immigration status.
As a reminder, this means that PSU will not voluntarily participate in or facilitate immigration enforcement actions. Although we can’t prevent federal enforcement activities, we will not assist in them. Our downtown campus is generally open to the public, and federal immigration enforcement officers may enter open areas on campus. However, federal officials may not enter non-public spaces on campus for the purpose of immigration enforcement.
I urge students to consult this list of campus resources to help address concerns and to take advantage of our wonderful Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) for mental health concerns. Similarly, EAP and wellness resources are available for staff and faculty.
I am grateful every day for the strength and resilience of our campus community. Thank you for your unique contributions to PSU.
Sincerely,
President Ann Cudd