UChicago Workers Want University To Take Stronger Stance Against Feds On Campus

Faculty at the University of Chicago Lab Schools have stopped using whistles to call students in from recess, as the sound now symbolizes a threat from federal immigration agents. They are urging the university to take a stronger stance against federal enforcement by banning agents from campus without judicial warrants and improving communication about immigration activities. “Federal immigration agents have no place on our campus,” said Professor Gabriel Winant. University officials clarified that while federal agents can access public areas, they must have warrants to enter private spaces. The faculty also called for information sessions to educate community members on their rights during encounters with agents.

Additionally, they sought to post signage prohibiting federal agents without warrants, similar to campus gun bans. Despite these requests, McSwiggan noted that the university's emergency alert system is intended only for life-safety emergencies. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and fears in the community regarding immigration enforcement.