The below message was sent to faculty, staff, and students on January 30, 2026.
Dear Bryn Mawr Community:
Given events in Minneapolis and the potential for escalation of federal immigration enforcement in the Philadelphia area, I am writing to share guidance about how we will respond if immigration officers come to our campus. I recognize the fear that this situation generates for many of us, especially people of color and those from populations most frequently at the center of the immigration debate. I want every member of our campus community to be informed and supported.
The College's highest priority is to protect the safety and the rights of our students, faculty, and staff. The information I share aligns with advice issued by civil liberties and immigrant rights organizations, as well as other colleges and universities.
Unless compelled by law, the College will not share the immigration status of any community members or assist with immigration enforcement.
If you encounter immigration enforcement officers on campus, contact Campus Safety immediately by calling 610-526-7911 or using a blue emergency call box. Campus Safety is trained to respond to law enforcement visits, including those of ICE, and will be the primary responders. Please be aware that obstructing or attempting to prevent or delay any enforcement activity can be a criminal offense.
As a private institution that welcomes visitors, some parts of campus are open to the public, such as the libraries and outdoor spaces, and some are private or restricted, such as the residence halls and areas requiring a OneCard for entry. Federal law enforcement officers may not enter private or restricted areas without meeting applicable legal standards, such as presenting a valid judicial warrant or court order. Only designated staff are authorized to accept service of a judicial warrant, court order or subpoena, which is why calling Campus Safety (610-526-7911) is always your first, and in most cases only, action. If you have not done so already, please enter the Campus Safety phone number into your cell phone contacts for easy access.
The College has been and continues to work closely with trusted partners to provide guidance and support to students who may be directly affected by current federal enforcement actions. Staff members at The Impact Center, particularly Trish Whitfield and A.T. OrtÃz, offer support and connect students with confidential resources, including: Know Your Rights workshops, support groups, emergency financial assistance, access to legal support networks, and career guidance. Many of these resources are offered in collaboration with other departments on campus. Counseling support is available for all students 24/7. Students can call 610-526-7778 or utilize the TELUS Health app. In-person support is available for students from the Counseling Services office by appointment or walk-in.
The Provost's Office remains prepared to support international faculty in their employer-sponsored immigration processes and to respond to any questions about professional activities and international business travel. Faculty and staff who have questions or concerns about how federal actions might affect them, or their family members, are advised to seek guidance from an immigration attorney. Through the College's relationship with AVVO, employees may ask legal questions for free and find attorneys in all legal disciplines. An additional resource for immigration attorneys is the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Also, our confidential Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) offers counseling, information on community resources, assistance with legal/financial matters, and more. Employees and their family members may reach out to our EAP 24/7/365 by calling (800) 865-3200. As always, Human Resources (hr@brynmawr.edu, ext. 5266) remains available to offer support.
Safety, respect, and the right to learn are central to Bryn Mawr's mission, and we are committed to supporting every member of our community. The events in Minneapolis might be some 1,200 miles away, but this issue is close to all of us.
If you have any questions regarding our guidance and protocols regarding immigration enforcement, please contact communications@brynmawr.edu.
Wendy Cadge
President and Professor of Sociology
Bryn Mawr College
101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Pronouns: she/her
brynmawr.edu
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