Participating in Protests & Demonstrations as an International Student
Dear Wesleyan International Students,
We the staff of the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) acknowledge your right to peacefully participate in protests and demonstrations and exercise freedom of expression of your beliefs during your experience studying at the University.
It is important that you understand and follow the rules of Wesleyan’s disruption policy if you will be participating in public demonstrations or protests on campus. We also encourage you to explore the guidance and resources on the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website and know your rights. Your participation in protests and demonstrations should be peaceful without causing harm to other people or property. If at any time law enforcement officials, such as police officers, instruct you to cease activities and vacate an area, you should follow their guidance to avoid breaking laws and to stay safe.
If you violate university rules or U.S. laws while participating in a protest or demonstration, there may be a negative impact on your immigration status now and/or in the future as well as your ability to remain in the U.S. or re-enter the country. If you are arrested, it will be important that you seek out the legal services of both a criminal attorney and an immigration attorney. One resource for finding an immigration attorney is the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
We care about your safety and well-being. We hope that you will review the resources we are sharing in this message to help inform your decision on participating in public demonstrations and protests. Please reach out to us at oisa@wesleyan.edu if you have questions or concerns on this topic.
In support,
The OISA Team
Morgan Keller, OISA Director
Janice Watson, Assistant Director of International Student Compliance
Dari Jigjidsuren, Assistant Director of International Student Engagement
April 30, 2024