Undocumented Student Support

Gonzaga University, in keeping with its mission-centered values – which includes our belief in human worth and dignity, and the obligation to care about and advocate for those who are disadvantaged, suffering, often unseen and frequently forgotten or marginalized – has consistently advocated for the protection of undocumented students on our campus and for the development of comprehensive legislation which result in humane immigration policies: policies fully reflective of the noble virtues enshrined in our Constitution and that respect the fundamental humanity of every individual regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality.

This mission-centered advocacy is amplified nationally by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). In 2016, the AJCU issued a statement calling for all community members to “labor for solidarity among all people, and especially with and for the poor and marginalized of our society” … and “to embrace the entire human family, regardless of their immigration status or religious allegiance.” AJCU institutions, including Gonzaga, pledged to:

  • Protect to the fullest extent of the law undocumented students on our campuses;
  • Promote retention of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA);
  • Support and stand with our students, faculty, and staff regardless of their faith traditions; and
  • Preserve the religious freedoms on which our nation was founded.

As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, Gonzaga University values the dignity of all members of the university community, regardless of immigration status. On November 14, 2024, the Office of Public Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement of pastoral care calling upon us to recognize “the inherent dignity of each person as a child of God,” and reaffirming that the U.S. Catholic Bishops continue to stand in “firm solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters who live and labor in these United States.” They also expressed that the United States “should have an immigration system that protects vulnerable migrants and their families.”

Gonzaga University’s membership and participation in a number of higher education organizations - among them the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and the American Council on Education (ACE) - has created a very vocal and public record of Gonzaga’s position on immigration reform and support for DACA students.

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FAQs

Gonzaga University protects the privacy of student information and records consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Pursuant to this federal law Gonzaga University will not release information regarding student immigration status to the Department of Homeland Security, unless legally compelled to do so (e.g., a warrant, subpoena or other valid judicial court order). Gonzaga University will not release information regarding a student or employee in response to a administrative subpoena/warrant signed by a DHS agent.
 

This is an important reminder to those who may receive formal or informal requests for personal information about students that may relate to immigration and/or citizenship status, and includes requests from law enforcement agencies and government officials.

Gonzaga University is committed to protecting the privacy rights of students as provided for in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.  As a consequence, the University does not voluntarily release personal information, including citizenship or immigration information, that may be in the University’s possession unless the student consents or as compelled to do so by law.

Should you receive such a request for student information, whether informal or formal, such as a subpoena, warrant or court order, you are directed to contact the Office of General Counsel for review and advice prior to any response.  If you have any questions, please contact the Office of General Counsel at (509) 313-6137.

Remember the "3Ds":

  • Defer all representatives or requests to Gonzaga’s General Counsel or CSPS. These offices have policies and procedures in place to respond to officials and requests.
  • Disallow or do not give consent to entry or searches. We are not authorized to give consent to campus buildings, facilities, or spaces without prior approval from Gonzaga's General Counsel.
  • Decline all requests for information about faculty, staff, or students without appropriate authorization. Remember that under FERPA, we are not authorized to release any student information without the student’s authorization or a lawful court order signed by a judge and reviewed by Gonzaga’s General Counsel for validity.
 

Primary jurisdiction over enforcement of federal immigration laws rest with the federal government and not with Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS) or any state or local enforcement agency. CSPS is committed to providing service that strives to ensure a safe and secure environment in which members of Gonzaga’s diverse community can fully embrace the University’s mission. Community trust and cooperation are essential for CSPS to effectively and positively contribute to our community. The limited resources of CSPS should not be diverted from this mission.

Although CSPS is not a state or local law enforcement agency, any CSPS interactions with federal immigration officials is guided by the Keep Washington Working Act.