Students propose to make CMU a sanctuary campus
Celia Erickson, president of Central Michigan University's chapter of Students For a Democratic Society presents a resolution to the Board of Trustees during a meeting's public comment session held in Bovee University Center, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on Friday, November 21, 2025. Erickson spoke on behalf of her fellow members, calling on the Board to make CMU a sanctuary campus. (CM-Life | Cristin Coppess)
Students for a Democratic Society proposed a resolution to make Central Michigan University a sanctuary campus, which means adopting policies to protect immigrants, at the Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, Nov. 21.
President of SDS Celia Erickson opened up with a resolution that calls for action regarding the recent ICE arrests.
The policies that Erickson listed include that CMU will prevent ICE from coming onto campus and making arrests if they do not have a judicial warrant, an address or a signature from a judge. Additionally, the CMU Police Department should not assist federal authorities in detaining students, staff or faculty based on their citizenship status.
Erickson said the resolution requests that CMU should not share any information regarding the immigration status of students, staff and faculty.
“We demand Central Michigan University President Neil Mackinnon and the Board of Trustees adhere to CMU’s core values by adopting sanctuary campus policies,” said Erickson.
The SDS also mentioned the steps that Eastern Michigan University is currently taking to support international students. EMU campus police are working to investigate situations where ICE is involved on campus.
In addition, CMU College Republicans and College Democrats proposed a bipartisan resolution to combat political violence at the meeting.
“This bipartisan resolution acknowledges the recent wave of political violence against political actors on all sides of the aisle. The resolution also calls on Central Michigan University to affirm its commitment to protecting free speech on college campuses, which is the bedrock of a free society,” said College Republicans President Steven Alee.
Alee said that this was the first time in three years that the two organizations sat together and peacefully discussed these issues.
The resolution included examples of recent events that were politically motivated, along with a strong emphasis on free speech and safety for students.
The Board of Trustees said that they will review these resolutions with the legal department.
