Dear Highline Community,

We send this message while processing the tragic events in Minnesota as well as the adverse impacts of immigration enforcement throughout our community. The deadly actions taken this weekend and the weeks before by federal immigration are heinous and unconscionable.

We would like to be clear about our commitment to prioritizing the safety, rights and privacy of our students and their access to education. This message serves as a reminder of our policies and procedures regarding immigration enforcement and the responsibilities of our entire college community.

Highline College operates and aligns with Washington State’s Keep Washington Working Act (2019) through our Immigrant Enforcement Protections Policy. Below are the key points of how Highline College meets the legislative mandates of this law.

You Can Access Education

• Highline College does not discriminate based on immigration or citizenship status, race, color, gender identity, or other protected categories.
• We are committed to preserving and protecting the educational rights of immigrant students.

Your Safety and Rights are Prioritized

• Highline College prohibits participation in, or assistance with, immigration enforcement on campus. This includes school facilities, adjacent areas, and parking lots.
• Immigration enforcement agents are required to follow strict protocols, including presenting valid court orders, to access campus or student information. This is handled through our Public Safety office located in building 6, lower level.
• If an immigration enforcement officer or other federal law enforcement representative shows up to campus, refer them to Public Safety to connect with an authorized designee. Authorized designees serve as the main contacts for immigration enforcement agents on our campus. Contacting Public Safety initiates our response procedures.
• Please contact Public Safety using the contact information on this quick reference guide for Immigration Enforcement Protocols and Contacts. Protocolos y Contactos para la Aplicación de la Ley de Inmigración en Español.
• For the purposes of this Highline’s policy, ‘authorized designee’ refers to the below college positions, however your first phone call should be to Public Safety at (206) 592-3218.
  • Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management
  • Associate Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management
  • Executive Director, Office of the President
  • Vice President, Administrative Services
  • Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Your Privacy Is Protected

• Personal information related to immigration or citizenship is protected and cannot be shared without a judicial warrant.
• Information shared in the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is protected and cannot be shared without a judicial warrant. Highline College’s Financial Aid team can help students determine whether or not they are qualified to apply for the WASFA or FAFSA.
• Highline College does not share personal information for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant. Highline College has always operated in this manner, and we also align with language from the Attorney General’s Office which reflects Highline College’s commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment where every student is valued and protected.

It is normal to have some Federal Law Enforcement Agencies on campus performing employment background checks, however, we ask that anyone who sees or suspects they see federal law enforcement, immigration enforcement, or unidentified law enforcement personnel on or near campus notify Public Safety. This notification is important in helping to confirm any presence or activity and determine whether it requires further campus notification and response.

Resources for Undocumented Students

The Highline Library has a guide for Undocumented Students, which has up to date resources and information for students and their families to review.

Counseling & Support Services 

These are challenging times and we want you to take care of yourself. Below are resources on our campus that may help.

• Counseling Services: Our Counselors are available and an appointment can be scheduled by contacting them at counseling@highline.edu, 206-592-3353.
• CARE Team: The CARE Team coordinates support for students experiencing distress. They can be reached at CARE@highline.edu, and reports can be submitted here.

If you ever have any concern about safety on campus, please contact Public Safety 24 hours a day by phone at (206) 592-3218, or in-person in Building 6 in Room 104.

In Community,

Josh, Tim, Mariela, Steve, Jill, Shakira, Jack, Francesca, Ay, David and Danielle

Highline College Joint Information Center (JIC)

The Joint Information Center (JIC) is a group of employees activated to  monitor federal policy changes and actions affecting institutions of higher education. We communicate by email to keep you up to date on federal decisions and actions that could affect our school and students. These include a broad range of government actions that could impact the college’s mission, operations, and community. You may provide your feedback, questions, or concerns through this anonymous JIC input form.

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