SA Passes “Protecting Undocumented and Minority Students” Resolution

By Mattie Fitzpatrick | April 14, 2025

Student Association Senators during last Wednesday’s (4/9/2025) meeting. 

Photo Credit: Mattie Fitzpatrick / The ASP

The University at Albany Student Association (SA) Senate passed the “Protecting Undocumented and Minority Students” Resolution at this past Wednesday’s meeting. This legislation would expand education regarding the rights of minority and undocumented students on the UAlbany Campus. 

Specifically, this resolution calls on the administration to expand protections for minority and undocumented UAlbany students by implementing “Know Your Rights” training for all students and staff and posting signage regarding Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Federal Law Enforcement in all campus spaces. 

It advocates UAlbany not to preemptively comply with executive orders minimizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and proposes that UAlbany refrain from sharing the personal information of non-citizen students with federal bodies such as the Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security and if directed to legally, notify the student within 24 hours of the request and the information disclosed.

This resolution, sponsored by Senator Zainab Gondal and Senator Ethan Kavalunas, was passed with 27 “Aye’s”, zero “Nay’s” and three abstentions. This means that this resolution will be sent not only to the UAlbany administration but to the State University of New York (SUNY) Administration as well. 

Senator Kavalunas acknowledged the limitations of this resolution however, “It’s a resolution, it’s non-binding to the administration, but it shows the administration that we’re here and we’re fighting for what so many students have come to tell us they want.”

“The policies being implemented affect so many people…and that is unfortunately a really scary situation that we are stuck in, and passing this will hopefully do something to help those students here on this campus,” continued Senator Kavalunas. 

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Chapter Amendment was also passed which redirected requests filed for student organizations to the Student Association FOIA Officer. Final decisions on request will be determined by the FOIA officer in conference with the executive board of the relevant student organization. Documents and materials of Dippikill Incorporated were decided to be exempt from these provisions.

The Counselor Reform Act was passed with 26 “Ayes” and zero “nay’s”. This bill creates the role of Student Counselor within the SA Supreme Court to act on behalf of student litigants if requested. The Senate Chair, Office of the Comptroller, Board of Finance, Elections Commission and SA President also have the right to individual student counselors for their positions and government offices.