Gonzaga’s solidarity and support amid federal immigration actions

Dear Gonzaga Community,

Over the past several months, the attention of the nation has focused on the aggressive actions of federal immigration and border agents across the country, most recently in the Minneapolis area. This attention has prompted many responses including those by leaders in the Catholic Church. Catholic cardinals, archbishops and bishops have called on civic leaders to change course and engage in compassionate immigration policies. Their calls are rooted in the same Catholic social teaching that is foundational to Gonzaga’s mission and endorsed in the Statement of Affirmation.

Concerns about the safety of our campus and communities are naturally forefront in the minds of many students, faculty, and staff. Know that the Undocumented Community Support Coalition, a group of campus partners working to improve how Gonzaga supports undocumented community members, continues its work and may be contacted through the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Additional information on how to best support our community — including what you should do if a federal or state official requests information regarding a student — can be found on the Undocumented Student Support page. Gonzaga University is committed to the privacy of its students and employees, and will not release any personal information, including citizenship or immigration status, unless required to do so pursuant to a valid judicial court order or as otherwise required by law. Any request for personal information about students or employees should be deferred to Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS) at (509) 313-2222 or the General Counsel's Office at (509) 313-6137.

Catholic Social Teaching affirms that everyone is made in the image and likeness of God and thus has inviolate human dignity that must be respected, independent of immigration status. Organizations of which we are a member such as the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Ignatian Solidarity Network and Jesuits West continue to offer opportunities for solidarity and education around immigration issues, and we join them in many ways in their work and mission. Information about the University’s response to federal, state and local policy is available on myGU (login required). We encourage everyone to stay informed and to care for one another.