Federal Response & Resources

Dear International Students,

I want to acknowledge the uncertainty created by recent federal actions related to international student visas. While these changes are not under our control, we recognize how disruptive—and even frightening—they can be. We’ve seen firsthand that status changes can occur without notice. And we know these issues aren’t just about school—they affect your housing, your ability to work, your sense of stability, and plans for the future.  

To respond proactively, I’ve asked our International Education team to increase regular monitoring of SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records. That team is reviewing data closely and will reach out directly to any student if there is a change in status.  

If you have questions about your individual visa situation or need help identifying additional supports or legal resources, please don’t hesitate to contact the International Education office or your international advisor. They are your best resource for navigating important requirements such as address updates, document compliance, and FERPA-related privacy questions.  

While International Education staff are not able to provide legal advice, you are encouraged to seek assistance from licensed immigration attorneys or nonprofit organizations that specialize in immigration law. Be sure to verify that any attorney you consult is qualified and experienced in F-1 visa matters. The following organizations may be able to help you find legal counsel: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Directory; Know Your Rights – American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). 

For additional details and tips on how to stay informed, supported, and in compliance with your visa status, please review this international student information sheet. 

Bellevue College is committed not only to your education, but to your overall safety and well-being. Your presence here enriches our campus and community in meaningful ways and we’re here to support you.  

Best,  
Dr. David May 

Dear Bellevue College community,

I want to take a moment to share important updates regarding the U.S. Department of Education, free speech at Bellevue College, and potential immigration enforcement on campus. Each of these topics carries implications for our college. The college’s leadership team and I remain committed to keeping our community informed and prepared.

Department of Education

We are aware of the executive order signed on Thursday directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to close the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law,” as well as the recent termination of more than 1,300 DOE employees. While the full impact on our college and students remains uncertain, college leadership and I are closely monitoring this evolving situation and its impact.

I’m dedicated to ensuring disruptions to our students and employees are minimized, and I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Free Speech and Expressive Activity

Bellevue College supports free speech and free expression, which are fundamental to our democracy and core to our educational mission. As a public institution, we are legally required to provide access to campus for First Amendment activities, even when viewpoints expressed do not align with the college’s core values or mission. Our role is to create an environment where ideas—both affirming and challenging—can be shared. However, expressive activities must not disrupt campus operations or create an unsafe environment.

Participation in expressive activities is a personal choice, and you are not obligated to engage with advocacy groups or individuals exercising their First Amendment rights. I also recognize that such activities can be emotionally charged. I encourage students to seek support from our Counseling Center and employees to utilize the Employee Assistance Program if needed.

For more information, you may review Bellevue College’s Expressive Activity Policy

Immigration Enforcement on Campus

Bellevue College is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. In alignment with Washington state’s Keep Washington Working Act, the college has established policies that protect privacy, prevent unauthorized access by immigration enforcement, and uphold our commitment to educational access for all.

A team is actively working on additional resources and an informational session to help our employees understand how to respond if immigration enforcement comes to campus. More details will be shared soon. In the meantime, if you encounter any immigration enforcement activity on campus, immediately refer the agents to Public Safety in B132 or call Public Safety at 425-466-9365.

For more information on Bellevue College’s immigration enforcement protections, please refer to our Federal Response and Resources and Undocumented Student Resources webpages.

Thank you for your attention to these critical issues. As always, I appreciate your dedication to our mission and our shared commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

Sincerely,

Dr. David May

Dear Bellevue College employees and students,   

Bellevue College is aware of the recent “Dear Colleague” letter sent by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) on Feb. 14, 2025.   

Importantly, this letter is not law, nor have any laws changed. Instead, it represents the OCR’s current interpretation of existing laws under the new administration.  

After consulting with the Washington Attorney General’s Office, Bellevue College’s President’s Cabinet believes we are in compliance with all current civil rights laws.  

Bellevue College is not making any changes to services, supports, or departmental activities, at this time.  

Our commitment remains unchanged—we welcome students from all backgrounds into our programs and services. Bellevue College does not discriminate; you can learn more on our Nondiscrimination Statement page.  

We will continue to seek guidance from the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the Governor.  

As we learn more, our priority is to keep you informed. This is our commitment to you:  

• Bellevue College’s President’s Cabinet will meet multiple times per week to assess developments and strategize for the college.   

• Updates will be communicated via email to faculty, staff, and students, and soon on the Bellevue College website.   

• We remain committed to our students’ and employees’ safety, rights, privacy, and access to education.  

Sincerely,  

Dr. David May 

Dear Bellevue College community,   

In this fast-paced news cycle, an update has just been issued that the U.S. administration has rescinded the executive order calling for a pause on all federal grant and loan funding. We will continue to watch current events and will communicate with you as we understand how actions by the administration may impact our college.  

Thank you.   

Sincerely,  

Dr. David May  

Bellevue College President 

Note: A similar message will be going out to all students.  

Bellevue College is aware of the executive order from the White House Office of Management and Budget to pause federal grants and loans. A federal judge has issued a temporary administrative stay of this order, setting a hearing for the morning of Monday, Feb. 3. The stay applies only to “open awards” already granted by the federal government as of 2 PM, Feb. 3. We expect to learn more after the hearing.  

This is what we know as of Jan. 29:   

• The executive order issuing the federal funding pause does not apply to student financial aid loans and Pell grants, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday, Jan. 28.   

• Currently, we are maintaining all programs and support as usual.  

We understand there are many questions and concerns with this directive. We are awaiting clarity and guidance from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Office of the Attorney General, and Office of the Governor.  

As we learn more, our priority is to keep you informed and support you. This is our commitment to you:  

• Bellevue College’s President’s Cabinet will meet regularly and as often as necessary to debrief and share updates that are relevant to our Bellevue College community.  

• We will communicate updates via email to all staff, faculty, and students.  

• We remain committed to students’ safety, rights, privacy, and access to education.  

Sincerely,  

Dr. David May  

Bellevue College President  

Dear Bellevue College community,    

Note: A similar message will be sent to students shortly.  

At Bellevue College, we welcome students, staff, and faculty from all backgrounds and firmly believe that higher education is open, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. I understand recent federal announcements about immigration are causing some concerns. Bellevue College has adopted an immigration policy that affirms our commitment to students’ safety, rights, privacy, and access to education.  

In alignment with Washington state’s Keep Washington Working Act (2019), Bellevue College has implemented 1510 Immigration Enforcement Protections and its associated procedures (1510P). While our college has always operated in this manner, the Immigration Enforcement Protections policy officially reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment where every student is valued and protected.  

Below is a summary of the policy’s key points:  

Student and Employee Privacy  

Bellevue College does not share personal information for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.  

Students’ personal information related to immigration or citizenship and information in the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) is kept secure and separate from general student enrollment records.  

Immigration Enforcement on Campus  

Bellevue College does not grant permission to staff or faculty to engage with anyone in immigration enforcement, including for surveillance purposes, or to permit access to college grounds, or the immediate vicinity. If immigration authorities attempt to communicate with them, they are directed to immediately alert Bellevue College President David May (president@bellevuecollege.edu) or Public Safety. Public Safety is located in Room 132, B Building and can be reached at 425-564-2400 or 425-466-9365. The college has a process for handling such inquiries.  

Education Access  

Bellevue College does not exclude students from education, nor does it unlawfully discriminate against anyone because of their immigration or citizenship status, race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, or other protected categories.  

We will ensure the college remains safe and accessible, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Leadership is putting together a series of trainings for faculty and staff and resources to inform how you can exercise your rights.   

Financial Aid and the WASFA Form  

We understand students and their families may be hesitant to apply for state aid through the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) or the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) due to their immigration status. Completing a WASFA or FAFSA helps colleges determine student eligibility for resident tuition and financial aid.   

However, we are committed to protecting the confidentiality of information and privacy of students and their families. Bellevue College does not share personal information listed on the WASFA and FAFSA for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.  

Undocumented Student Resources Page  

Additionally, we have created an Undocumented Student Resources page that summarizes resources for undocumented students and families. This page will evolve as we gather more information to share.  

I take the safety and well-being of our community seriously. If you have been impacted by recent events, I encourage you to contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 877-313-4455 for in-the-moment support. The Northwest Immigrants’ Rights Project and the National Immigration Law Center are valuable resources as well.   

College leadership and I remain committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all who come through our doors. You are a member of our campus community, and you belong here.  

Thank you,  

Dr. David May 

Dear Bellevue College community, 

I know the upcoming U.S. presidential administration change is on many people’s minds. With the inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, questions about how the next administration and new Congress will affect higher education are circulating on the national scale and here at Bellevue College. 

It’s understandable that this moment in history may cause concerns and uncertainties about the future. Transitions in presidential administrations often bring significant changes. 

I want to assure you that Bellevue College leadership has been and will continue to closely monitor any developments that may arise. If there are direct impacts on our institution or community, the college’s leadership team and I are prepared to respond thoughtfully and strategically to those changes. We will do so through the lens of our mission and values, with a particular emphasis on supporting students, fostering equity, and creating an inclusive environment. 

In times of unpredictability, please remember that every person connected to Bellevue College belongs here. Your story belongs here and your presence on our campus is valued. 

Thank you. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. David May