Last updated on October 28, 2025
The following is a verbatim copy of the Guidance for Interacting with Immigration Officers distributed to the campus community by Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism, Dr. Sheila Lloyd via the intranet on January 30th, 2025.
Dear Hampshire Community,
In light of the policies and directives currently being initiated by the Trump administration, Hampshire College re-affirms its commitments to equity, justice, antiracism, and academic freedom.As President Wingenbach stated in his announcement on January 15, “Hampshire believes international, undocumented, and refugee students must be able to live and study without fear and intimidation. Hampshire will not voluntarily release information about immigration status or cooperate with efforts to detain individuals through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The College will not willingly assist in any federal efforts to deport members of our community solely based on their citizenship status.” This statement extends to all international, undocumented, and refugee members of our community.
While there is no immediate indication that ICE or other government agents intend to show up on our campus, it is important to be prepared, especially for individuals in offices such as Central Records, Financial Aid, Business, CASA, Information Technology, Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS), and Admissions.
- Anyone approached by an immigration officer on campus should contact Campus Safety & Wellbeing at 413.559.5555 right away for assistance. Employees should also contact their Vice President and/or supervisor.
- Community members should inform the officer that you are not attempting to obstruct their actions, but you are not authorized to respond to the request and need to contact the appropriate person.
- You can ask the officer to wait outside while you make these contacts.
Additionally, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has offered guidance to Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), which you can read in full here.
These are trying and uncertain times. Hampshire is your community and we are here to support you. If you have any questions about this or any related issues, please reach out to Sheila Lloyd, Senior Vice President.”
REVIEWED BY: Verne Gulley, Phe O’Leary, Kenzie Doherty, Ryan Nivus
