Keep WA Working

CBC's Core Commitments

What CBC Does

• Supports access to education for all students
• Protects student privacy as required by law
• Maintains campus safety and continuity of operations
• Centralizes responses to law enforcement requests through trained College officials

What CBC Does Not Do

• Enforce federal immigration laws 
• Ask about or verify immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes
• Share personal information without lawful authority
• Act as a law enforcement agency

Admissions and Financial Aid

Open Access to Education

CBC does not base admission decisions on immigration or citizenship status.

Financial Aid (FAFSA and WASFA)

Students are encouraged to apply for all financial aid for which they may be eligible. Applying for FAFSA or WASFA does not require disclosure of immigration status beyond what the application itself requires.

Personal information from financial aid applications is not shared for immigration enforcement unless required by a valid court order or judicial warrant.

Campus Safety and Privacy

Campus Security

Campus Security personnel are responsible for safety coordination and operational continuity.  They:

• Maintain a visible presence when law enforcement activity occurs
• Coordinate communication with College leadership
• Help prevent unauthorized access to non-public spaces
• Monitor for safety risks and crowd concerns
• Issue campus notifications when appropriate

Campus Security personnel:

• Do not question or detain individuals based on immigration status
• Do not enforce immigration laws
• Do not provide personal information to law enforcement

Hawk Alert

CBC uses Hawk Alert as part of its standard safety communication practices.

When law enforcement activity of any kind may impact campus operations or the ability to safely move across campus, the College may issue a Hawk Alert advising individuals to avoid specific areas.

When appropriate, the College will communicate with the campus community about law enforcement activity that affects safety or operations.

The presence of law enforcement alone does not automatically trigger a lockdown.

Student Records

CBC protects student records in accordance with federal law.  Protected student information is disclosed only when legally required.

Students may opt out of the release of directory information under FERPA.

Access to Campus Spaces

CBC includes both public and non-public areas.  Federal immigration enforcement officers may not enter non-public areas without a valid judicial warrant or court order.

Non-public areas include:

• Classrooms and labs
• Faculty and staff offices
• Conference rooms
• Student service areas
• Residence halls
• Locked or restricted spaces labeled as private

If Federal Law Enforcement Is Present on Campus

CBC understands that law enforcement activity may cause concern.  The guidance below explains what employees are expected to do and what the College will handle.

What Employees Should Do

• Stay calm and professional
• Do not engage in discussion
• Ask officers to wait in a public area
• Contact Campus Security immediately
• Follow instructions from College officials

Employees may use the following statements:

• “I am not authorized to answer questions.”
• “I have been instructed to contact someone who can assist you.”
• “Please wait here while I make that call.”

What Employees Should Not Do

• Provide information, records, names, schedules, or locations
• Grant access to non-public areas
• Accept legal documents
• Attempt to block or interfere with officers

These actions are restricted by state law and reflected in College policy.  Employees are not expected to assess legal authority or manage the situation beyond notification and redirection.

What This Means in Practice

If federal immigration enforcement is present on campus:

• College officials will manage all communication with law enforcement
• Employees will pause, redirect, and notify Campus Security
• Access to non-public spaces will not be granted without legal authority
• Campus operations will continue when possible
• Safety will guide all decisions

CBC cannot prevent lawful law enforcement activity in public spaces. The College’s role is to comply with the law, protect safety, minimize disruption, and safeguard privacy and access to education.

What The College Will Do Next

When federal law enforcement is present, CBC will:

• Centralize communication through designated College officials
• Verify legal documents before allowing access or information sharing
• Limit access to public areas unless legally required
• Coordinate campus safety and operations
• Use campus alerts when appropriate to reduce disruption

If there is an immediate safety concern, Campus Security may request assistance from local law enforcement, including through 9-1-1.

Support & Trusted Resources

We recognize that recent immigration updates may cause stress or uncertainty for some in our community. Please know we are here to support you. Below are trusted resources that may be helpful:

• Washington State Office of the Attorney General – Immigration Services
  This page offers guidance to on locating licensed attorneys and other federally authorized professionals who specialize in immigration law.
  
  
• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
  This organization provides direct legal services, advocates on a systemic level, and provides community education.  They provide legal services for those seeking asylum or citizenship, DACA, and defense for detention and deportation.
  
  
• National Immigration Law Center
  This website includes resources and information regarding many immigration-related topics, including enforcement, DACA, education, health care, border and asylum.
  
  
• Center for Immigration Assistance
  Search tool to locate someone in ICE custody, by name or A-number and country of origin.
  
  
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center
  Resources provided here include Know Your Rights printable in nine languages, downloadable immigration preparedness toolkits, and a search tool to find legal help near you.
  
  
• Washington Law Help - Immigration
  Resources for becoming a US citizen, working in the US, public benefits, health insurance, managing money, and immigration and family issues.
  
  
• Kids In Need of Defense (KIND)
  Provides holistic support (including representation in immigration court) to unaccompanied and separated children and assists in family reunification.
  
  
• Northwest Justice Project
  This organization focuses on providing justice for all low-income people in Washington in need of legal help on a variety of civil (non-criminal) issues, including eviction and housing help, access to government benefits, education, civil rights, and much more. 

Need Help or Have Questions

Campus Security: 509-542-4819
CBC Legal Affairs: 509-542-4740
Email: vphr@columbiabasin.edu