Dear members of the Bates community,

As we continue to navigate the rapidly changing — and at times confusing — higher education policy landscape, I wanted to share some updates and some thanks. 

First, I would like to acknowledge the many Bates colleagues who are working to address the immediate challenges we are facing with our international student and employee populations, the revocation of federal grant funding, and the impact of tariffs on the cost of food, technology, and other goods essential to our day-to-day operations. At the same time, many other colleagues are analyzing potential impacts and hypothetical situations — things that are possible but have not yet occurred — such as changes to the endowment tax, further cuts to federal research funding, or an ICE presence on campus. 

However, let me be perfectly clear: Although we are working to collect information, we will not pre-comply with unlawful or unconstitutional instructions or threats.

Bates’ mission, values, and commitments remain intact and unchanged. We continue to consult and collaborate with peer colleges and universities of all sizes, with key state and federal officials, and with numerous higher education coalitions to actively coordinate responses, support legal action, influence legislators, and advocate on behalf of higher education. These collective efforts focus on preserving the cornerstone values of free inquiry and free expression, which have helped make American higher education the best in the world. 

With that in mind, I would like to lift up several initiatives, events, and recent actions of note.

• Earlier this month, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, with the support of Bates and 85 other member institutions and associations, submitted an amicus brief supporting plaintiffs in a federal court case that challenges the administration’s revocation of visas and detentions of non-citizen students and scholars. The case seeks to halt large-scale arrests, detentions, and deportations of students and faculty engaged in constitutionally protected activities.
  
• In recent weeks, colleges and universities have seen an increase in terminations of SEVIS records and revocations of visas — without prior notice or warning — for international students. We know of two such cases involving Bates students, one of whom was on leave for the winter semester. Staff from the Center for Global Education have provided important resources, travel guidance, and one-on-one advising to our international students. Thank you to Darren Gallant, Shelley Palmer, and James Reese for the outstanding support they have provided.
  
• We have been closely following news of federal research grant terminations and know of two Bates faculty members whose work has been directly affected by these actions. The college is committed to assisting our faculty colleagues to the extent that we are able. Thankfully in both instances the grants were in their final stages; however, the emotional impact and stress caused by these terminations cannot be overstated. As Shonna Humphrey noted in her email last Friday, “each award is different, every sponsor is different, and those nuances dictate what actions we can take.” Thank you to Shonna and Theresa Bishop for their support, guidance, and regular updates to the community.
  
• In response to specific requests from international faculty, we have scheduled time for an attorney who works regularly with the college and our faculty on immigration and visa matters, to provide a space for questions and guidance from an expert. This will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22. We plan to provide a similar session for all employees.  
  
• Following the faculty, staff, and student forums held during the winter semester, many faculty and staff members have asked for more frequent opportunities to connect, ask questions, and share their thoughts and concerns. We previously announced a staff and faculty forum scheduled from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on Monday, April 28, in Commons 221/222, and I encourage you to attend if you are interested and able. Members of the senior leadership team will be on hand to answer questions and to listen. 

Recent demands issued to Harvard University (on a wide range of issues without a basis in law), followed by the freezing of substantial federal research funds and threats to Harvard’s tax-exempt status, undermine not just Harvard but all of higher education. We continue to monitor these matters and the changing landscape and consult with counsel and our national educational associations to both better understand and convey our views. I realize that the uncertainty on these issues can be disconcerting, and we will continue to provide updates and keep our community informed.  

My deepest thanks to each of you for contributing to, and caring about, the Bates community and the well-being of each of its members.

Sincerely, 

   Garry