University professors are shifting classes to virtual formats in an effort to protect illegal immigrants from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
At Wingate University in North Carolina, a professor informed students that the remaining six classes of the semester would be held online over concerns of ICE raids on or near campus. This comes as immigration officials this month launched Operation Charlotte’s Web, a large-scale crackdown on criminal illegal immigrants in Charlotte.
The professor referenced guidance from school leadership, telling students, “We recently received communication from the Provost and General Counsel regarding students’ serious concerns and fears about attending class in person, citing the ongoing activities in Charlotte involving US Border Patrol and immigration.”
The professor added, “Out of respect for all our classmates and to prioritize the safety and well-being of every student, I have made the decision to transition the remaining six classes for the semester to a virtual format, effective immediately. Our primary goal is to ensure the protection and security of our students at all costs.”
The move reflects a wider trend among colleges. In July, professors at Cal State LA said they would move their classes online amid rising fears of immigration raids near the downtown campus. A letter from the university provost told faculty that students were “scared to take public transit and fearful of driving to campus,” and in response reiterated policies allowing excused absences and alternative makeup work for students concerned about immigration enforcement activity. According to the LA Times, the letter also stated that faculty had “the option of working remotely for a limited time due to extraordinary circumstances they are facing.”
“Recent events in the LA area — including the presence of heavily armed immigration agents in MacArthur Park earlier this week — have left many in our community concerned for their safety,” wrote Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Lattimer. “This week also marks the 6-month anniversary of the wildfires that disrupted the lives of many in our community. As a campus we recognize the significant harm that has resulted from these events and reaffirm our commitment to supporting our students, faculty, and staff and prioritizing your safety and well-being.”
