Ohio State Addresses Immigration Concerns Amid Policy Changes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University has addressed concerns regarding immigration enforcement policies following President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14159, known as ‘Protecting The American People Against Invasion.’ In a statement sent to faculty and staff on Jan. 31, the university outlined its practices in relation to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The email emphasized that Ohio State cannot disclose a student’s immigration status without first consulting the Office of Legal Affairs or obtaining consent from the student. This response comes amid heightened anxiety surrounding enforcement activities on college campuses as stricter immigration measures are rolled out.

University spokesperson Ben Johnson clarified that the Jan. 31 statement was not indicative of new policies but was a reminder of existing regulations concerning law enforcement interactions with students. According to the email, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) safeguards educational records, including immigration status, protecting students from disclosures to ICE without appropriate consent.

“That means university employees cannot disclose a student’s immigration status to law enforcement — proactively or in response to questions — without consultation with the Office of Legal Affairs,” the email stated.

Emily Brown, director of the Immigration Clinic at Moritz College of Law, noted in an email that the Trump administration’s decision to rescind a 2021 memorandum establishing ‘sensitive locations’ could increase ICE activity on campuses. “Prior to January 2025, ICE had a ‘sensitive locations’ policy in place that generally prohibited ICE enforcement actions in certain protected areas, including universities,” Brown wrote.

Recently, concerns regarding ICE’s visibility on campus have proliferated on social media and prompted inquiries directed towards local educational authorities, including Columbus City Schools and Ohio State University. Brown highlighted that students approached by ICE on campus retain the same rights as they would elsewhere.

“Students have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about themselves or other students,” she said, adding that they may refuse searches or deny entry to officers unless presented with a judicial warrant, which is uncommon.

The university reiterated that law enforcement agencies, including ICE, typically coordinate with the Ohio State University Police Department for law enforcement activities on campus. Furthermore, while cooperation is expected if ICE requests to enter the campus, the university is not mandated to assist enforcement actions.

“If ICE comes onto campus with an administrative warrant for an immigration arrest or an order of removal against a student, Ohio State is not under any obligation to help ICE apprehend the student,” Brown remarked.

In another development, Ohio State University announced it would resume covering Adobe Creative Cloud license fees for students, faculty, and staff effective Jan. 31. This decision follows a previous reduction in access to the software.

Katharine Keune, chief communications officer at the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation, cited student and faculty feedback stressing the importance of Adobe as an educational tool. “Recognizing its importance for teaching, learning, and work, leadership worked to secure centralized funding, ensuring that those who rely on this software can access it seamlessly,” she stated.

For access, users must order software through Ohio State’s IT Service Desk and choose their intended usage type. Keune confirmed that the university’s Creative Cloud license continues to provide the entire suite of applications at a significantly reduced cost compared to external prices.

“Our actions allow university leaders to engage in discussions, better understand the issues, and collaborate on solutions,” said Chris Kabourek, senior vice president of Administration and Planning. For personal use, individuals can also purchase Adobe Creative Cloud licenses at a discounted rate of $36 per year, compared to the standard price of $59.99 per month.