The Nevada Faculty Alliance (NFA) is unwavering in its commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all members of our academic community. We strongly oppose any actions by federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), that involve direct interventions or raids on our campuses. Such actions undermine the educational mission of our institution and foster an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The presence of ICE agents on campus would create a chilling effect on students, faculty, and staff, preventing individuals from pursuing their educational goals without intimidation. This environment of fear directly contradicts our core values of academic freedom, inclusivity, and the free exchange of ideas. Moreover, such actions violate the principles outlined in the Board of Regents Handbook, including its non-discrimination code, which guarantees the right of all individuals, regardless of immigration status, to access education free from prejudice and fear.
We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the privacy and safety of all students, including those who may be undocumented. We will take all necessary measures to ensure that our campus remains a safe and supportive space for every member of our academic community.
Our campuses must remain environments where all students feel safe and respected. They must be able to learn free from harassment—whether from government agencies, administrators, campus employees, or fellow students. The NFA will vigorously defend the rights of faculty members to preserve such an environment.
Faculty Guidance on Compliance with FERPA and Handling Federal Agents on Campus
Faculty and staff are reminded of their obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student records, including information about a student's immigration status. Disclosure of any student's immigration status—whether documented or undocumented—is prohibited under FERPA and could result in legal consequences.
If a faculty member is approached by a federal officer requesting information about a student, they should contact the institution's General Counsel's office or University Police (Northern Command | Southern Command) for guidance. Should you receive a request for personally identifiable information or records, or if a federal immigration enforcement officer presents a warrant or subpoena, you must first confirm that you are authorized to release the requested information. Request the officer's name, identification number, and agency affiliation, and ask for a copy of any warrant or subpoena. Inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process, but you need to contact legal counsel for assistance.
ICE agents must have a valid search or arrest warrant to access non-public areas of campus (such as residence halls, classrooms, or faculty offices). Areas open to the public, however, are accessible to ICE agents without a warrant.
If an ICE agent requests entry into a non-public area, faculty members should politely ask the agent to wait while they contact legal counsel. Faculty are not required to permit ICE agents to enter non-public areas without a warrant. If confronted with a warrant or subpoena, faculty should refer the agents to the institution’s legal counsel office. Politely explain that, according to institutional policy, you are not authorized to provide the requested information and direct the agents to legal counsel.
If a faculty member observes ICE conducting enforcement activities on campus, they are free to document the incident—whether through video, notes, or other means—provided it does not interfere with the enforcement process or the educational environment. Documentation should respect the privacy of all students involved.
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