[Christopher Swift]

Dear students,

Today, an article in the New York Times reports an increase in hate-based violence and threats against minorities on college campuses since the Presidential Election.

As we discussed in class yesterday, the College is offering a number of services for students who are experiencing anxiety or threats of violence in the wake of the current elections. Here is Provost Bonne August’s message to the community, which contains information and resources for immigrant and minority students:

“Following the presidential election this week, faculty have reported that many students have expressed concern or fear about their immigration status or that of their families. Faculty members have requested guidance in addressing these concerns. The Office of Student Life and the Counseling Center are working on ways to help, in addition to their existing services. Below you will find information about services available right now:

Cynthia Bink, who directs the Counseling Service Center, sent the following message:

There is a link on our website for faculty who want to help students manage stress. http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/counseling/docs/stresshb.pdf

We can also come to any class and talk to students or offer a stress reduction workshop ( see attached flier). I’m also attaching a link to our full workshop schedule. There are some faculty who make attendance part of a class assignment http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/counseling/docs/workshop.pdf .

New York is an international city, and Mayor DiBlasio has underscored his administration’s commitment to support the city’s diverse residents. CUNY also has resources dedicated to students who are immigrants, regardless of their status. Prof. Allan Wernick, who leads this effort has forwarded the following information:

What can be done between now and January 20th when a new national administration takes office, to assist members of the CUNY Community who may be eligible for amelioration of their status. Here are some suggestions, along with my assurance that CUNY Citizenship Now is available through any one of its service sites to assist. Citizenship Now will make a priority of seeing CUNY students and their family members.

Any student who has yet to consult with a CUNY Citizenship Now! attorney should do so ASAP. You can find a list of sites and contact information at http://www.cuny.edu/citizenshipnow

The attorney will assess eligibility for any immigration benefit for which the student may already qualify.

Individuals with Advance Parole (USCIS travel permission) or who qualify to get it should try to travel with the permission before January 20th. Doing so might improve students’ chances of later getting more stable lawful status.

Students that return to the US after travel abroad with advance parole who are married to US citizens or who are under-21 children of U.S. citizens may qualify to immediately apply for a green card.”

If you feel your rights of freedom of expression or religion are being threatened, you may also contact the ACLU, and they can give you advice or provide legal assistance: https://www.aclu.org/

My final reminder: if you witness any violence on campus of any kind, immediately report it to Campus Safety, or call the Police.

Prof. Swift