Amid rising immigration concerns statewide, Rowan University’s Student Government Association (SGA) recently hosted its first “Know Your Rights” workshop.

Student leaders said the hourlong event aimed to provide verified campus resources, clarify safety protocols, and reassure students while remaining politically neutral. 

The Rowan SGA organized the workshop following conversations within its executive board, as well as concerns raised during recent Senate meetings, and last semester’s Students Assembled conference. SGA President Hope Campbell said the event was rooted in student well-being, not politics. 

“Just acknowledging what is going on outside of Rowan, and just the climate of the world,” said Campbell. “At the end of the day, SGA is here to support students and their well-being.”

The workshop was led in part by Yuval Saar, SGA’s Assistant Vice President of Student Advocacy and Community Belonging. Saar said some students expressed fear that the immigration enforcement trends could impact their sense of safety or participation on campus.

“With some students feeling like they must stop participating in campus life to feel safe, we thought it was immediate and important to equip our peers with the tools they need to protect themselves and others,” said Saar.

Campbell emphasized that the event did not advocate for any political party or position.

“The workshop wasn’t to bash any different party, because we are our SGA, so we have to stay neutral,” said Campbell. “Overall, it was just to let the student body know that, obviously, we care. We are here for them.”

Several university offices participated, including Rowan Public Safety, the Office of the Assistant Provost, and the International Center. Michael Kantner, Assistant Vice President and Emergency Management Coordinator for Rowan’s Public Safety, presented campus protocols and procedures. The International Center reviewed resources for both documented and undocumented students. Organizers also covered bystander intervention practices, the RowanSafe app, and mental health services available through the Wellness Center.

At the end of the workshop, students received fanny packs with campus hotline numbers and “Know Your Rights” red cards.

“It was just a little way to end the event, so they know, ‘Okay, these are the hotlines. I know that Rowan is here for me,’” said Campbell. “If something is happening on campus, you have the right to report it.” 

Students also participated in hypothetical safety scenarios, designed to stimulate high-tension situations. Saar is practicing responses to help students feel more confident in real-life circumstances.

“When faced with an overwhelming situation, it can be more difficult to mobilize resources you are unfamiliar with,” said Saar. “By practicing scenarios together during the workshop, students became more prepared to handle the situations should they arise in real life.”

Many of the exercises the students participated in largely reinforced contact in public safety in urgent situations. 

Although no immigration enforcement actions have been reported on the Rowan campus, the topic has drawn attention statewide. U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman recently spoke about increased ICE activity in New Jersey, saying the state is prepared to respond.

“ICE, in its actions around the country, has displayed an increasing dismissal of human rights. New Jersey at large, including the community of Roxbury, has rejected this as antithetical to the values of our great state,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.

New Jersey recently passed immigration protection, which is in part due to the immigration trust directive, which limits how state and local law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Gov. Mikie Sherrill has stated that New Jersey law enforcement must follow state guidelines designed to protect residents’ civil rights while prioritizing public safety. 

“Overall, they were just happy that, as SGA, we were just sharing awareness, and also were able to just stay neutral,” said Campbell.

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