Public Statement From Senate on ICE

We, the undersigned of the Reed College Student Senate, request that Reed College officially and publicly release a statement regarding their position as a higher education institution and the current actions of federal immigration authorities. Reed College has thus far remained silent regarding the ongoing ICE operations in Portland, including the serious violations of civil liberties and personal freedoms that continue to threaten the well-being of everyone who calls Reed home. Reed must maintain a commitment to fostering community fulfillment and engagement as a central value in order to preserve the core of its mission statement. Considering the vulnerable members of our community, including but not limited to the undocumented, international, immigrant, and Latine-descending populations who have faced state-sanctioned racist and xenophobic rhetoric, as well as blatant bypassing of due process and humane treatment regarding detainment and deportation the lack of an official stance from the institution is detrimental towards cultivating an inclusive and safe community for students. As students from a diverse range of backgrounds, we cannot accept being the solitary voices advocating for our community, since this puts our freedoms at risk. Therefore, we will not be making a formalized stance beyond strongly urging the Reed College administration to do more to protect their students. The College has the obligation to serve its students first and foremost, and has the capability, the authority, and the safety to do so. Continued silence on this matter not only diverges from that obligation, but it also inherently undermines the College’s mission to take political stands only when the fulfillment of educational interests are jeopardized. We believe this to be one of those moments. Therefore, we demand the college take a stand and defend the rights and interests of its student body in the wake of strong, targeted efforts to undermine our rights as individuals residing within the United States.