The University of Washington is dedicated to a safe learning, teaching, research and visitor environment in a diverse community that values compassion and belonging. Working together to foster a community that feels safe is essential for Huskies to thrive academically and professionally in Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma, and the UW’s various other locations.
The University maintains this commitment in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
As UW President Ana Mari Cauce recently noted, Washington state law prohibits the sharing of information or use of state resources, including University resources, to target Washington residents solely on the basis of race, religion, immigration, citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin, except when otherwise complying with federal or state law. In addition, most student information is protected by federal law (FERPA).
While immigration officials cannot enter a classroom, laboratory, campus residence or private office without an appropriate warrant or judicial order, the UW cannot legally prevent federal immigration officials from coming into the public spaces of a UW campus or facility. There may also be instances when UW will be required to respond to valid criminal warrants or judicial orders.
In the event of a federal official from Immigration & Customs Enforcement or another agency appearing and requesting information or access, the University has developed guidelines for response.
Protocol
If a student, faculty member or staff person on a UW campus or in a UW location is approached by a federal enforcement officer who requests access to UW facilities, inquires about members of the campus community or requests access to records, please follow these guidelines.
1. Request information: Remain calm and professional. Ask the law enforcement officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation. You can ask them to take a seat nearby in a public area while they wait for you to contact a campus safety officer and your supervisor or, in the case of UW Medicine locations, the On Call Administrator.
Inform the agent that UW protocol requires you to contact your campus safety office, supervisor and/or Administrator On Call: A trained officer or campus safety employee will respond to take over engagement with the agent, determine the purpose of their visit and involve the Attorney General’s Office.
Campus and facility safety contacts:
- UW Bothell Campus Safety Department: 425-352-5359
- University of Washington Police Department (Seattle campus): 911 or 206-685-8973 (these are answered by UWPD)
- UW Tacoma Campus Safety & Security: 253-692-4416
- UW Medicine clinical facilities: Please contact the Administrator On Call for your specific facility.
If your UW facility isn’t on a campus or part of UW Medicine, UWHR will coordinate training for a designated on-site supervisor.
2. Protect student and employee privacy: Please do not answer questions regarding confidential information unless told to do so by UWPD, your campus safety office or the Attorney General’s Office. Examples of personally identifiable information may include and are not limited to names, contact information, class lists, student schedules, etc. As always, ensure compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.
Remember to not lie to law enforcement agents. Also, it’s not your role to accept legal documents on the University’s behalf. It’s best to wait for UW officials to arrive or direct delivery to the UW’s attorney general’s office.
If you are questioned by agents, consider these responses:
“I am not authorized to answer your questions.”
“I am not authorized to review or accept legal documents”
“I have been instructed to call the UW Police Department/Campus Safety Office before you proceed. Please wait while I do that.”
“I will call my supervisor now.”
UW supervisors, UWHR has published a new website to house resources related to the many federal policy changes that may impact our workplace— https://hr.uw.edu/fedpolicy/. Additional resources will be developed and added to this site in close collaboration with executive leadership.
3. Do not attempt to physically block or interfere with an agent.
4. Additional support is available for you.
Mental health support is available for UW students and employees.