Keep WA Working

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

CBC remains steadfast in its values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the right of all students to pursue their educational goals free from unlawful interference.

CBC does not enforce federal immigration laws and does not act as a law enforcement agency.  The College complies with all applicable federal and state laws while following the State’s Keep Washington Working requirements.

Admissions and Immigration Status 

Open Access to Education
As an open-access institution, CBC does not base admission decisions on immigration or citizenship status.

Campus Safety
Our campus security personnel will never question, detain, or attempt to enforce immigration laws based on immigration status.

Privacy Protections

Student Records Are Protected
As required by federal law, CBC does not disclose protected student information except in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order.

Directory Information Opt-Out
Some student information, called “directory information,” may be shared under federal law. Students have the right to opt out of directory information sharing. Learn more about FERPA and the opt-out process.

Access to Campus: Public vs. Non-Public Spaces

CBC has public areas but also designated spaces for students and employees to fulfill its educational mission.

Federal immigration enforcement officers may not enter non-public areas without a valid judicial order or warrant.

Non-public areas include, but are not limited to:

• Academic spaces like classrooms and labs
• Faculty and staff office spaces
• Conference rooms
• Student service areas like Counseling or Disability Support Services
• The residence hall
• Other locked or restricted areas labeled as private

Financial Aid Information

FAFSA & WASFA
CBC encourages all students to apply for financial aid for which they may be eligible, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.  Applying for WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) or FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) does not require disclosure of immigration status to the College beyond what is required by the application itself.  

Our Hawk Central team is available to help students determine eligibility.

Confidentiality
CBC is committed to protecting student privacy. Personal information from FAFSA or WASFA is never shared for immigration enforcement unless required by a valid court order or judicial warrant.

What to Do if a Federal Law Enforcement Officer Appears on Campus

CBC recognizes that national immigration enforcement activity may cause concern or uncertainty for members of our community.  The guidance below is intended to help employees know what to do if a federal law enforcement officer requests information or access on campus.

If you are approached by a federal law enforcement officer:

1. Stay calm and professional
You do not need to engage in discussion.  If appropriate, you may ask the officer for their name and agency and ask them to wait in a public area while you contact CBC officials.

You may use statements such as:

•  “I am not authorized to answer questions.”
•  “I have been instructed to contact the CBC Legal Affairs Office.”
•  “Please wait while I make that call.”

2. Contact CBC officials immediately
Do not handle the situation on your own.  Contact:

• CBC Campus Security: 509-542-4819 or x7777
• CBC Legal Affairs: 509-542-4740 or x2740
• Your supervisor (if applicable)

The College recommends that you add Campus Security and CBC Legal Affairs as contacts to your phone.

The presence of immigration enforcement officers alone does not trigger lockdown procedures.  When appropriate, the College may use Hawk Alert to advise individuals to avoid specific areas on campus in order to reduce disruption and ensure their safety.

3. Do not provide information or access
Do not share names, schedules, records, or other personal information about anyone, including students or employees.  If you are working at a computer, the College recommends that you log out.
Do not grant access to non-public areas.
Do not accept legal documents on behalf of the College unless instructed to do so by CBC Legal Affairs.

4. Do not physically interfere
Do not attempt to block, detain, or interfere with an officer’s actions.  CBC officials trained in these matters will coordinate the appropriate response.

Employees should not direct students or visitors to relocate solely for the purpose of avoiding or interfering with law enforcement activity.  However, employees may use reasonable judgment to relocate individuals for the purpose of continuing normal operations, reducing disruption, or providing a calm space for students demonstrating distress.

Individuals may record law enforcement officers in public spaces, provided they do not interfere with official duties or violate privacy laws.  However, employees are not expected or required to do so and should prioritize their own safety and follow guidance from Campus Security or CBC Legal Affairs.

5. What to expect next
Campus Security will:

• Immediately notify CBC Legal Affairs and appropriate College leadership.
• Maintain a visible presence and request that officers remain in public areas while guidance is obtained.
• Help prevent entry into non-public areas unless directed otherwise by CBC Legal Affairs.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement in response to an immediate safety concern.
• Document the interaction and prepare incident reports with pertinent details, as necessary.

CBC Legal Affairs will:

• Serve as the primary point of contact with federal law enforcement.
• Review and verify warrants, subpoenas, or court orders and approve compliance only when supported by valid, judicially signed documents.
• Provide direction to Campus Security and College leadership regarding access, information requests, and next steps.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement or the Office of the Attorney General, as appropriate.
• Help identify and support impacted individuals and, when permitted and appropriate, notify emergency contacts of impacted individuals of law enforcement actions.

No College personnel, including Campus Security and CBC Legal Affairs, will attempt to physically block, detain, or interfere with an officer’s actions related to law enforcement activity while carrying out their official duties.

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.