This felt like a week for hunkering down. With bitter cold outside, students are finally pulling out serious coats and warm hats to get to early morning classes. I have been impressed to see a number of brave souls playing broomball on the Bald Spot in spite of the temperatures.
There has also been a lot of news to process. I know we all remain concerned about the continuing fires in southern California, and the impact on families and communities there. The start of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas offers hope for an end to the devastating war in Gaza. And the beginning of a new presidential administration this week brings change and uncertainty. In the Carleton administration, we have been discussing the possible impacts of projected national policy changes, while at the same time seeking to maintain focus on the mission and work of the College.
As a community with many global connections, one specific area of concern for many is immigration policy. Some of the changes that have been announced or proposed have the potential to impact undocumented individuals, mixed status families, or international students and faculty. We have been working to provide information and resources to the campus. Last week, Benjamin Casper ’90, a specialist in immigration law and staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, gave a talk on the Current and Future Immigration Landscape, and he will return on January 30 to provide an update. The Inclusion, Equity, and Community office can also connect community members with individualized resources.
With these concerns in mind, I have appointed an Immigration Task Force, co-chaired by VP Dina Zavala and VP and Chief of Staff Elise Eslinger ’92, to monitor the situation, gather information, provide resources, and coordinate response or support across offices. Other members of the group are:
Chapel: Schuyler Vogel ’07
Human Resources: Kerstin Cardenas
Dean of Students: Carolyn Livingston
International Office: Liz Cody
Provost’s Office: Michelle Mattson
International Admissions: Aimee Thostenson
Registrar: Theresa Rodriguez
Communications: Erica Helgerud ’20
Campus Security: Blake Held
I am grateful to all of these colleagues for their assistance. In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to work together to address changes in other areas that may impact groups and individuals in our community.
Featured in Carleton Today, January 23, 2025