Public Statements

Joint Statement From Colgate University and Hamilton College

February 28, 2017

Tags Public Statements

Dear Members of the Hamilton College and Colgate University Communities,

As you know, recent changes to federal immigration law and policy have caused concern on both of our campuses, and across the nation. Although federal courts have temporarily blocked implementation of President Trump's January 27th executive order, new changes to federal law are under consideration, in both the executive branch and the Congress.

While we cannot know the form these changes will take, we are committed to maintaining open and welcoming campus environments and intent on providing as much support to members of our communities as we can. We also believe that joining our efforts will better support our students, faculty, and staff.

With this in mind, we will begin sharing Colgate and Hamilton programs, resources and expertise across our two campuses. Our close proximity and, more importantly, shared values make this possible. Among other things, we will work together to assist those students on our campuses who, in light of evolving immigration laws, are reconsidering their summer plans and may need help finding summer employment or housing. We will also assist Colgate and Hamilton seniors seeking to plan for the impact of the changing law on their post-graduation employment opportunities. And we will examine ways to provide additional legal guidance on immigration-related issues to members of our community who need it.

As a first step administrators on both campuses are reaching out to students to see what support they might need, particularly in the summer months, and are exploring whether programs and services located on either campus might be of help to them as they navigate this changing landscape.

We take these steps together because we believe that values of diversity, tolerance, and community are central to our educational mission as liberal arts institutions.

We look forward to working together in support of all Colgate and Hamilton students, faculty, and staff in these ways and in future joint endeavors.

Sincerely,

David Wippman, President, Hamilton College
Brian W. Casey, President, Colgate University