In the wake of three University of Tennessee students and one campus worker being put at risk of deportation due to a change in their legal statuses last week, around 50 people attended an hourlong rally coordinated by United Campus Workers on Tuesday.
Speakers discussed the impacts of the Trump administration’s policies on universities, including recent immigration crackdowns and funding cuts to numerous federal programs.
Megan Conley, an assistant professor of practice in sociology, teaches immigration policy in her courses.
“[At other universities], we've seen that international students and faculty have been targeted for their speech, for their scholarship, for academic freedom. And I have no doubt that this will happen here, too,” she said.
On Friday, UT Chancellor Donde Plowman announced three international students and one university employee had their legal statuses changed after Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified them through criminal background checks. Due to federal regulations regarding student exchange programs, those affected are no longer eligible for enrollment or employment, putting them at risk of deportation.
International students at several schools across the country have been arrested or had their legal statuses revoked in recent weeks under the Trump administration.
One attendee at Tuesday’s rally, who wished to speak on the condition of anonymity due to his status as an international student, expressed concerns with the recent trend.
“It feels horrific to be targeted in this way, and I really hope that people realize that it's not going to stop at international students,” he said. “And unless people stand up in solidarity for the most vulnerable members of the community — their community, be it on campus or elsewhere — they're going to be next.”
Speakers at the rally also highlighted recent actions the Trump administration has taken against universities as part of an effort to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including threats to cut funding. Jessica Budke, an associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, brought up the impacts federal funding cuts could have on students.
“These reductions in funding in this chaotic environment keeps me up at night,” she said. “Will we be able to keep our research labs open? Will our undergraduates have opportunities to do these summer programs that they signed up for? Will the [postdoctoral researchers] be able to pay their rent and live in their houses?”
Olive Fairweather is a technical assistance specialist at UT. They are currently employed through a federal grant and fear for their job stability.
“I think the work that everyone here [does] is really valuable and enriches Tennessee as a whole,” they said. “I want us to have quality education with workers who are paid living wages, where everyone has access to this education regardless of any identities they hold, and they should also feel welcome on this campus.”
Mia Romano, a Spanish lecturer and president of United Campus Workers of Tennessee, said she hopes the rally brings people together and spreads awareness to threats made against higher education.
“I think a lot of people are very stressed. They're very worried, they're very scared, and so I'm very excited to see this action today,” she said.
