Bill Would Keep State Universities From Sanctuary Status

An Indiana Senate committee has approved a bill that would prohibit state universities from naming themselves as “sanctuary campuses.”

A state university or college that declares “sanctuary” status does not share a student’s citizenship or immigration information with local, state, or federal authorities. Sanctuary campuses have gained attention following the election, with some students asking their universities to adopt a policy.

Bill co-author state Senator Michael Young says state universities are government entities and the bill is to bring schools in line with other government offices.

But those who spoke out against the bill, including the Latino Higher Education Council, says the bill will intensify fear in students on state campuses.

The bill was amended to allow universities to exempt students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA status.  It passed with a vote of 6-2 and moves to the full Senate.