How Lehman Is Supporting Vulnerable Students

By Safiya Richards and Elizabeth Perez 

On March 12, Lehman College hosted a “Know Your Rights” workshop and bystander training. This initiative is one of many that the college is implementing to assist undocumented students and to empower the Lehman community with knowledge and support during difficult times. 

The workshop was led by Marianne Pita of Bronx Community College, who advised students and educators on how to prevent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) from entering private spaces such as classrooms and how to protect students during potential ICE encounters. She suggested, “You can notify your classes, if there’s anybody here who needs to leave, I understand that ICE is on the campus or is coming onto the campus.” 

Another strategy she discussed involves faculty and staff members using an app called Signal, which is similar to WhatsApp, to establish a rapid response system for notifying them about ICE arrivals. 

The Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, facilitated by ICE, have led to nearly 16,500 individuals being detained in the administration’s first month (The Guardian, 2025). In response, governors, schools, and churches are working tirelessly to push back against this infringement of rights, providing essential protections to the backbone of our society. 

The Division of Student Affairs has also established a resource page specifically for undocumented students, providing critical information and support services to aid their success. 

The college has offered various on-campus resources and held a listening session on January 30th, allowing students to voice their concerns and learn about available support. Dr. Cynthia Carvajal, the CUNY Director of Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs, participated in the sessions, and further meetings, including “Know Your Rights” sessions with BronxWorks attorneys, are planned. 

When asked for a statement regarding the school’s plans to help undocumented students, President Delgado emailed, “Lehman College is committed to protecting all our students, regardless of their background, and ensuring our campus remains a safe and secure learning environment. We will continue to monitor and assess policies that may affect our students and act, within the legal framework, to support and protect all members of our community.” 

Lehman College ensures that immigrant and undocumented students have access to essential support, including financial aid and career development opportunities. Jazmin Rodriguez serves as the Immigrant Success Financial Aid Liaison,addressingquestionsrelated to financial aid. Oscar Rigamonty assists students with the New York State DREAM Act application and relevant scholarships, while Kevin Bukreev provides career counseling. 

The Lehman College Counseling Center is available to all students, irrespective of immigration status. It offers a supportive environment for emotional and psychological concerns that impact personal and academic growth. The Counseling Center is located in the Old Gym Building, Room 114. 

A recent online meeting spread the word of the NYS DREAM Act, financial aid specifically for undocumented students that wish to pursue education in New York, and TheDream. US Scholarships, which can provide eligible students up to $39,000 in scholarship money. 

“Lehman College is committed to protecting all our students, regardless of their background, and ensuring our campus remains a safe and secure learning environment.” — Lehman College President Dr. Fernando Delgado

Another online meeting, organized by First Gen Empower co-founders Arabi Hassan, Esq., and Avdeep Dhillon, educated students and staff about the laws that New York has in place to help undocumented students and their families maintain confidentiality and receive support. 

With New York City being what is called a sanctuary state in its entirety, ICE cannot obtain student records, use the city’s resources for their gain, or access usually off-limit areas to the public without a federal warrant. 

In light of these efforts, Jermaine A. Wright, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs, offers an inspiring message to the Lehman community: “As an immigrant myself who later became a naturalized citizen, I want students to know that they are not alone.” He states that at Lehman College, not only is there a commitment to providing the support, resources, and guidance needed for their success, but there is also dedication to assisting students in navigating their academic journey and overcoming any obstacles they may encounter. 

Wright urges students to take advantage of the many resources available and to reach out for support whenever needed. “You are an important part of our campus, and we are here to ensure that you thrive academically, personally, socially, and emotionally.” 

Bronx Community College English professor Marianne Pita, who ran the Know Your Rights workshop at Lehman College.