Reaffirming Our Commitment to Student Privacy and Safety

Dear Berkeley City College community,

It has come to my attention that fliers promoting illegal activities, such as preventing federal agents from entering public spaces on campus, are being distributed by on campus. Please be aware that this group is not affiliated with Berkeley City College’s Undocumented Community Resource Center or the Undocu Solidarity Club in any way. 

We are writing to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting students’ privacy and safety, especially those from mixed-status families and undocumented students. We must all adhere to the protocols established by the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) and BCC to ensure legal compliance and maintain the safety of students, faculty, and staff. 

PCCD has produced additional resources, information, and instructions on the Peralta Website within the New Community Safety section, along with flyers in Spanish, English and Basic Chinese that you can access and print. This includes free mental health resources and legal support should you need them. 

Student safety, well-being, and academic success remain our top priorities. Students, we encourage you to stay on your educational path, and to continue attending your classes and to connect with our campus resources (below) when you need support. 

As part of our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space where every student can pursue higher education free from fear, we want to share with you some essential information regarding our policies and protocols that help protect our students. 

Immigration Status and Confidentiality     

Berkeley City College staff and faculty will not request or record information regarding the immigration status of any student or their family members, except for specific purposes related to residency and tuition, International student status, financial aid eligibility and disbursement, and student employment eligibility.  

Important: All student records, including immigration status, are protected by federal and state confidentiality laws. The Higher Education Act, FERPA, and the Privacy Act restricts the sharing of student data without a court order, judicial warrant, or explicit written consent from the student. In such cases, the matter will be referred directly to the President and, if necessary, to legal counsel. 

Immigration Enforcement on Campus 

While we do not anticipate immigration enforcement on campus, we are prepared should the situation arise. If you become aware of or encounter any immigration officers at Berkeley City College, please: 

1. Inform any faculty, staff member or administrator who will immediately contact the Office of the President. 
2. Notify Marina Security at the front desk.  Marina personnel will prioritize the safety and rights of students and staff. Marina Security will not ask about, detain, or act against anyone based on their immigration status. Marina Security will not cooperate in immigration enforcement activities. State law generally prohibits California law enforcement agencies, including campus police and security departments, from engaging in immigration enforcement activities.  
3. Refrain from engaging in any physical confrontation. If approached, you may calmly state: "I am not here to obstruct any lawful actions, but our college procedures and state law require that we first contact our college President." 

Resources for Undocumented Students 

We are here to support you and encourage you to access these available resources at Berkeley City College’s Undocumented Student Resource Center (UCRC). You can reach out to the UCRC directly with any questions at bcc-ucrc@peralta.edu 

• Make an appointment to meet with one of our mental health counselors: Referral Form 
• Red Cards- The Immigrant Legal Resource Center offers free Red Cards, which provide quick, user-friendly reminders for asserting your rights and protecting yourself in various situations, including interactions with immigration officers. Once you click on the link, scroll down to find your preferred language.  Red cards are also available at the Welcome Desk on the 1st floor of Berkeley City College. 
• Legal Support: If you have questions or concerns about immigration matters, we encourage you to seek free legal advice. You can access dedicated services through the Find Your Ally Legal Services Appointment Portal: Legal Services Appointment Portal. 

At Berkeley City College, we are deeply committed to fostering a community that values every individual. Please know that no matter your immigration status, you are an important part of our college family, and we will continue to work to support your safety, rights, and success. If you feel that you could be subject to an immigration order or inquiry, reach out to Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Stacey Shears. She can be reached directly at sshears@peralta.edu. 

Warmly, 

Dr. Denise Richardson  

College President