Federal Actions

March 6, 2025

On February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague Letter (Letter) to “…reaffirm the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance” from the Department.

Dear Colleague Letters do not hold the power of law, which footnote 3 of the Letter acknowledges: “This guidance does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards.”

On Saturday (March 1) the Department released “frequently asked questions” that provides the insight into how the Department will implement the policy described in the Letter and how the Office of Civil Rights will determine whether a school is legally compliant.

Both the FAQ and Letter target illegal programs that provide racial preferences or discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Since 1998, Washington law has prohibited discrimination or preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public education. See RCW 49.60.400(1). Similarly, federal non-discrimination laws have long governed the operations of the Community and Technical Colleges.

Tacoma Community College welcomes students from all backgrounds into all programs and supports. Tacoma Community College does not discriminate; learn more on our website by clicking here.

Keep Washington Working

Since its founding 60 years ago, Tacoma Community College has been proud to welcome students from all backgrounds and held firmly to the belief that higher education should be open, inclusive, and accessible to all those seeking to better their lives through learning. In light of recent federal announcements regarding immigration, we want to share some important information that might be helpful for you.

Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI): We remain steadfast in our values of equity, diversity, inclusiveness, and the right of all students to pursue their educational goals free from unlawful interference. Tacoma Community College does not have a legal obligation to enforce federal immigration laws. We are not, and will not become, a law enforcement agency.
Admissions and immigration status: As an open-access institution, we do not base admissions decisions on immigration or citizenship status. Furthermore, our campus security personnel will never question or attempt to detain individuals based on their immigration status.
Privacy protections: As required by federal law, we do not disclose protected information from student education records, except as required in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order. Higher education institutions do, however, share certain information called “directory information,” but students can choose to not allow even directory information to be shared. For more information about directory information and the opt-out process, please see our college webpage on the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA at Tacoma Community College (hyperlinked)
Access to campus: As a public institution of higher education, our college has public spaces, however, many of our spaces are reserved for use by students and employees so our college can fulfill its mission of delivering education to students. Our employees will not grant permission to these limited access, nonpublic areas (such as offices and classrooms) without a judicial order or warrant.
Financial aid information: We understand that 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) (hyperlinked) due to their immigration status. Completing a WASFA or FAFSA helps colleges determine student eligibility for resident tuition and financial aid. Our Student Financial Services team can help students determine whether or not they are qualified to apply for the WASFA or FAFSA. As we are committed to protecting the confidentiality of the information and privacy of students and their families, we do 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.

We know that recent federal announcements may be causing fear and anxiety for some members of our campus community. Please know that we are here to support you. Below are some resources that may be helpful:

For information on your rights, refer to the Washington Attorney General’s Office Know Your Rights document: https://www.atg.wa.gov/know-your-rights-civil-immigration-enforcement-washington

We remain deeply committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student who seeks to grow and create a brighter future. You are an important part of our campus community, and you are always welcome here.

Additional information and resources for youth and families navigating situations and issues related to immigration can be found below.

Organizations supporting immigrant youth and families

Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC)

Legal Counsel for Youth and Children provides free civil legal services to young people (ages 12-24) who are experiencing, or at risk of, housing instability.

Voice: 206-494-0323

Email: info@lcycwa.org

Website: https://lcycwa.org (hyperlinked)

Immigration Resources: https://lcycwa.org/immigration (hyperlinked)

St. Vincent De Paul has an immigration clinic every other Tuesday in Kent. According to their website, http://svdpseattle.org/get -help/resources -connections , they are recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice as an organization that has a Board of Immigrations Appeals accredited representative on staff who can legally provide legal immigration services at the Centro Rendu Kent office location. They offer free immigration consultation twice per month. You can call Centro Rendu at (253)499-4245 to schedule an appointment.

Asian Bar Association of Washington has some legal clinics. Appointments are made by phone at (206) 624-5633, ext. 4111 and (206) 695-7639. https://www.abaw.org/Legal Clinics .(hyperlinked)

Latina/o Bar Association of Washington legal clinics for immigration, criminal, and other areas of law: https://www.lbaw.org/services/clinics . (hyperlinked) Appointments are made by phone at 1-844-502-9832.

Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) has a Citizenship & Immigration service program. Information about this resource is online at: https://acrs.org/services/citizenship and -immigration -assistance . (hyperlinked) You can also get more information by contacting:

Xiangping Chen xiangpingc@acrs.org

(206) 695-7578

American Immigration Lawyers Association has a directory of immigration lawyers that can be searched by location at: https://www.ailalawyer.com/. (hyperlinked)

Washington State Bar Association

The WSBA is responsible for licensing and regulating lawyers in Washington. It also provides legal tools and resources for the public, including publications on legal topics and resources to help people find legal help. Many Washington counties have volunteer programs(hyperlinked) that can connect people with civil legal problems to a pro bono attorney.

Voice: (206) 443-9722

Toll Free: (800) 945-9722

Ethics Line: (206) 727-8284

Website: www.wsba.org/for -the -public/find -legal -help

Legal Directory: www.mywsba.org/personifyebusiness/LegalDirectory (hyperlinked)

Local County Bar Association Referral Services:

Clark County , King County , Mason County , San Juan County (hyperlinked) (email to request referral), Snohomish County , Tacoma -Pierce County , Thurston County (hyperlinked)