Campus Update

January 26, 2026

Dear all,

I am writing to take a moment to reflect on the devastating news we are all seeing and reading about federal and state law enforcement clashing in Minnesota. As the legality of actions by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is being debated, lethal violence against peaceful protest—the heart of our democracy—has occurred. I have heard members of our community ask: what do we do to protect our community in the current moment?

In this context, I want to remind us that Vassar’s policies are clear. We will not disclose student or employee information without a court-ordered warrant. Additionally, if we become aware that ICE agents are proximate to or on campus, we will notify the community immediately. Anyone who is approached by someone wanting information about students or employees should refer the person to the CRC or Vassar’s General Counsel. We will take all lawful actions necessary to enable students and employees to study, work, and live on our campus.

Sometimes, our voices may feel small. But they are not. We can transform each other’s days by acting in kindness, listening with open hearts, and recognizing when we have hurt others—and seeking to repair relationships, remembering that we are all connected no matter how different from each other we may seem. Let us on this campus continue to proactively build our humanity, not by deciding who is right and who is wrong, but by committing to sustain and strengthen our connections to each other as part of the Vassar community—a community that can enable growth even in the most disheartening of times. We also can stay informed, advocate, peacefully protest, and vote in local, state, and federal elections for the country that we want to be.

If you need support, please be in touch with the Dean of College Wellness Resources, or reach out to me directly.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@linkedin.com/in/ehbradley