Online classes and approved absences granted at California State Los Angeles as students voice apprehension due to ICE operations
In response to growing concerns about immigration raids and the safety of students, California State University (CSU) campuses are implementing various accommodations to support their students.
At Cal State Los Angeles (CSULA), university leaders have allowed professors to move classes online temporarily to address student fears of immigration enforcement activities. This decision comes after students expressed anxiety about using public transit or driving to campus due to recent federal immigration operations in the area. Professors can also provide excused absences and alternative makeup work arrangements for students affected by these concerns. Faculty members have the option to work remotely for a limited time as well, acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances students and staff are facing.
Similarly, at UCLA and other CSU campuses, some classes have offered accommodations on final assignments for students impacted by immigration raids in the Los Angeles area. Students have expressed challenges focusing on academic responsibilities due to the stress and safety concerns caused by the raids. Some students have stayed home during critical academic periods to reduce exposure risks for their families and themselves.
These accommodations reflect a broader effort by CSU campuses to balance academic continuity with the safety and emotional well-being of students amid heightened immigration enforcement activities. The policies include temporary shifts to online classes, excused absences and flexible makeup work, remote work options for faculty facing extraordinary circumstances, academic deadline accommodations, and support through resource centers for undocumented students.
These measures aim to reduce physical exposure to risky environments and address students' mental health and educational needs during a period marked by fear of immigration raids. Across California State University campuses, there are approximately 9,500 undocumented immigrants enrolled out of a total of 461,000 students.
The Trump administration's stance on immigration has led to further complications. Under Trump pressure, the University of California has stated that it generally cannot keep federal immigration authorities off of public campus areas. Meanwhile, the University of California has banned student governments from boycotting Israel or any other country due to growing anti-Israel boycotts and Trump administration opposition.
The CSU system has a long history of supporting its diverse student body. CSULA, in particular, has a large immigrant population and a "Dreamers Resource Center" catering to undocumented students. During graduations last month, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) leaders announced plans to deploy school police to set up "safe zones" around campuses in response to potential encounters with federal agents.
The Trump administration's lawsuit against California over a policy allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' and women's sports could potentially risk billions of dollars in education funding. The Los Angeles Unified district has reported increased absenteeism among teachers due to federal immigration actions.
Despite these challenges, CSU leaders have reiterated their commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of their students and faculty. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Lattimer wrote a letter addressing student fears about commuting to school and safety concerns. The university's FAQ about immigration enforcement on campus states that university police will not contact, detain, question, or arrest individuals solely on the basis of suspected undocumented immigration status. They will also not undertake joint efforts with federal immigration enforcement authorities to investigate, detain, or arrest individuals for violation of federal immigration law.
CSULA and the CSU system have previously offered remote options during the pandemic, wildfires, and for students on military deployment. As the immigration situation continues to evolve, it remains unclear if other CSU campuses will offer similar accommodations.
[1] Heather Lattimer, Letter to the CSULA Community, 15th October 2020,
- At the University of Southern California (USC), officials might consider implementing similar accommodations to support students who fear immigration enforcement activities, following the lead of CSU campuses.
- The growing concerns about wildfires in California have led some students to seek distance learning options to ensure their safety, similar to those provided for students during immigration raids.
- In response to the ongoing immigration challenges, politically active student bodies in both CSULA and UCLA may consider advocating for stricter immigration policies or supporting immigration-related lawsuits in the general news.
- The education and self-development of California's diverse student population is taking center stage in the politics of the state, as concerns about immigration and transportation intersect with issues like sports and health.
- According to the general news, some Democratic representatives have proposed legislation to protect undocumented students from deportation, citing a need for immigration reform in education.
- In the midst of these challenges, the government's role in supporting the academic and emotional needs of students, particularly undocumented immigrants, has become a contentious topic in the ongoing debate about education and self-development.
- As California grapples with immigration, wildfires, and other challenges, the state's universities, such as CSULA and UCLA, continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, offering accommodations and resources to address these various complexities.
