In the morning of April 15, Robert Pervine, senior associate provost, sent an email to the deans of Murray State University. In the email was advice on what to do if United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are on campus looking for a student.
At the same time, Pervine’s email said a student’s visa was revoked.
The advice he shared came from Robert Miller, general counsel.
“When law enforcement comes to campus seeking information, we advise the affected department to have the law enforcement official contact the General Counsel’s office (270-809-3834),” Miller said. “If they are unwilling or unable to do that, then the office or department should contact the General Counsel’s office to discuss. The university attorney can then review the search warrant, if any, and advise accordingly.”
For the safety and concern of the student whose visa has been revoked, the Murray State News has expressed no interest in their identity or personal details. The student will be referred to as they or them as part of their anonymity.
Bill McKibben, director of international retention and scholar services, said he is in contact with the student and is offering advice to them.
McKibben also said he reached out to other international students, both current and graduated, in light of the situation occurring across the nation. He said international students need to carry their immigration documents at all times.
He also said international students are to contact his office if they have any questions or concerns, and be alert to the immigration rules and regulations that apply to their specific visa.
A News reporter reached out to ICE, inquiring for comment on potentially active or planned agency presence on campus. The agency did not respond.
But, Murray State President Bob Jackson, in an interview with the News’ Editor-in-Chief Zach Simmons, said ICE has not notified the university nor has the agency been on campus.
Jackson said if ICE was at the University, he would have interacted with them “very, very closely.” He said ICE will go through a protocol and a process involved with Murray State University Police and himself. He said ICE is not going to go into a classroom and pull someone out.
“ … They’re going to be in touch with us if (they’re on campus),” Jackson said. “It is not the case, and I want to make that clear. I’ve been asked that several times. We’ve not been in contact. They’ve not been on campus. We know of no issues in that area.”
Despite this, Joycelyn Stark, the Murray State College Democrats’ President, posted an open letter on Instagram, addressed to the University.
The organization has also posted a petition, asking the University take responsibility for the safety of international students who may be at risk of deportation for these issues.
College Dems provided a copy of the letter before its posting.
Copy of MSUCD Open Letter to Administration.docx
The letter addresses the situation of the revoked visa and calls for action, public statements from Jackson and his successor, Ron Patterson, the next president of Murray State.
“We are demanding that they condemn the recent actions towards international student’s citizenship and to provide steps being taken to increase transparency about student’s rights being violated,” Stark said.
Stark also said in the letter that the University being quiet about the situation, additionally not publically addressing the potential of an ICE visit is a “blatant betrayal of trust.”
“Furthermore, the lack of transparency and overall communication from the university is saddening, frustrating, and frankly, horrifying,” Stark said. “Every student that seeks to learn at MSU has the right to do so without fear of persecution.”
Stark signed the letter saying the only way a university can prove they care about the rights of students is by actions from the administration.
Ray Horton, associate professor and United Campus Workers treasurer, said if the University’s messaging isn’t going to be standing up for its international students and workers, then others will.
Horton said the Free Speech Zone by Carr Hall is booked for a rally and tabling from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Tuesday, April 22.
In a document, provided to the News, the event has been strategized by members of the UCW, Kentuckians for Higher Education, West Kentucky National Organization for Women and Murray State Alliance.
Copy of Rally For Murray State International Students Statement
The mission of the rally is to share information about the rights of international students and workers as they are under threat in the United States. Additionally, the event is celebrating what the students and workers bring to the community.
“We’re definitely going to have a table with some ‘know your rights’ (information),” Horton said. “And a general message of reminding the campus community of how valuable our international classmates and coworkers are.”
