Chico State recently removed an immigration information training from the event calendar, and asked that it be postponed.
The nonprofit NorCal Resist helped organize the training. They said part of its purpose was for students and faculty to learn about their rights when interacting with immigration officials.
One of the organizers said he had no idea what risk the university thought the training might pose.
In an emailed response to NSPR, university communications said they believe the training is important, but asked the organizers to reschedule.
“We want to be mindful of how events are framed to ensure they don’t unintentionally put our campus community at risk,” university communications said. “Student affairs is working to find alternate ways for this community-building event to take place.”
NorCal Resist has decided not to participate in a rescheduled event. The organization said the Chico Chapter of the California Faculty Association has taken charge of organizing a similar training.
The event was originally going to take place yesterday, and has not been rescheduled as of today.
Another aspect of the training was to inform people about NorCal Resist’s ICE response hotline — 916-382-0256 — which covers the North State and Sacramento.
They said recently likely false sightings of immigration officials have been reported, and having verifiable information can prevent panic.
NorCal Resist recommends people contact the hotline if they suspect ICE is in their community.
