On April 21, during ASUU’s General Assembly meeting of the seventh legislative cycle, members voted to approve JR10, a resolution calling on the University of Utah to adopt sanctuary campus principles. The measure will now move forward as a recommendation to university administration.
Speakers from MECHA de U of U and the bill sponsor, Affinity and Advocacy Committee Chair London Reynolds framed the resolution as a response to impacts on healthcare access, student safety and campus climate. A vast majority of assembly members voted in favor of JR10, with only three representatives voting against the resolution. The dissenting opinions were concerns about the legality of sanctuary policies and the role of the U in taking political positions.
JR10 calls on university administration to adopt sanctuary campus policies, including limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, expanding Know Your Rights training and strengthening student and employee data protections. The resolution also urges the university to prevent immigration authorities from accessing private campus spaces without a judicial warrant.
The public forum
Before introducing the legislation, members of MECHA de U of U and Communication Workers of America Local 7765 (CWA) spoke in their support of JR10. Speakers in support of the resolution emphasized the effects of immigration enforcement on students and campus workers. One speaker said healthcare providers have seen fewer patients seeking care due to fear of immigration enforcement.
“Access to healthcare is essential, and no one should avoid seeking care out of fear,” Alondra Morales, secretary for CWA, said.
Other speakers highlighted concerns about safety on campus, arguing that immigration enforcement creates a climate of fear that affects students’ ability to learn. “None of us should be scared to go to class,” Rodrigo Fernandez, a senior MECHA de U of U member, said. “That’s the bare minimum we can provide our students.”
The public forum also pointed to broader national trends, including increased immigration enforcement actions at universities and visa revocations affecting college students, as contributing to anxiety among students.
Samantha Reagan, another MECHA de U of U member, spoke on the current climate in the U.S. “There is a terror campaign that is being conducted against immigrants right now in the United States, and it is completely outside of the balance of the law,” she said.”I think that we have a responsibility as students and as organizers to stand up with our immigrant community.”
The ASUU debate
Despite broad support from the ASUU Senate and Assembly, three representatives voted against the resolution. During the debate period, Assembly Representative Riley Clark raised questions on whether sanctuary campus policies could conflict with federal authority and if it is the role of the U to take positions on politically charged issues.
Additionally, Civic Engagement Committee Chair James VanLooy expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the bill. “I don’t want to see research funding, scholarships, faculty and staff salaries slashed because of this legislation,” VanLooy said.
Supporters of JR10 addressed the dissenting opinions during debate, arguing that the resolution commits the university to not exceed its legal obligations and citing the resolution complies with all state and federal laws.
According to Assembly Representative Jose Hernandez-Bello, student safety and access to education cannot be separated from broader political realities.
After the vote
JR10 is non-binding, meaning that any changes will depend on whether university administrators choose to adopt its recommendation. Student organizers said they plan to continue advocating for the resolution’s implementation in the coming months.
“A resolution represents the voice of ASUU and the student body speaking to the university,” London Reynolds told the Chronicle. “My hope is that the university listens to these recommendations.”
Alondra Morales agreed with Reynolds. “This does not end here. It’s important that people understand that they have a lot of power,” she said. “Students and workers are going to make sure that this is fully actualized, and that the university actually takes the steps to protecting students and workers.”
