Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Yesterday, we received reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were present in the vicinity of Temple’s Health Sciences Center. Those reports have since been proven false; personnel from a Corrections Emergency Response Team were misidentified.  

Currently, we have not received any confirmed reports of ICE agents being on Temple’s campus, but we are aware of ICE activity within the North Philadelphia area. It is also important to remember that many different law enforcement agencies wear similarly colored clothing; solid green/olive-colored clothing does not necessarily mean that the agency is ICE. 

Your right to teach, work and learn safely is central to our mission. Given the questions we have received recently, this message is intended to share clear, practical information about the university’s policies and how to engage in protected expression under the First Amendment.  

Our commitment to your privacy 

The university protects student records in accordance with the law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We do not voluntarily share student information with law enforcement unless legally required, such as through a valid court order or warrant. Similarly, we also protect the privacy of employee records, including faculty members, consistent with Pennsylvania law, university policy and collective bargaining agreements. 

If law enforcement seeks access to private campus spaces or protected records, the university follows established protocols to ensure legal compliance while safeguarding everyone’s rights. Those processes are managed by Temple’s Department of Public Safety and Office of University Counsel.

If law enforcement does arrive and/or seeks information on employees, students or clinical patients, for any reason, it is our policy that such information should not be shared without appropriate verification and authority. The officer/agent should be referred to the Office of University Counsel at 215-204-6542.   

• External law enforcement, including ICE agents, are allowed in spaces open to the public. They are not allowed, without a warrant, to be in private areas of the university (i.e., spaces that are restricted from public access, such as classrooms and residence halls). 
• Agents attempting an immigration enforcement action on university property regarding our employees, students or clinical patients should be referred to University Counsel. Personally identifiable information (PII) and/or protected health information (PHI) requires an arrest warrant, a search warrant or other lawful court order to authorize disclosure. Providing PII and/or PHI to law enforcement without appropriate documentation could violate privacy laws, such as FERPA and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 
• Any employee who receives a warrant, court order or subpoena should forward it to the Office of University Counsel at [click-for-email] and should take no further action without further direction. Law enforcement personnel can also be referred to University Counsel at 215-204-6542 for follow-up. 
• With the foregoing in mind and after making appropriate requests, university officials should not interfere with the activities of ICE or any law enforcement officer. 

Protesting safely and lawfully 

Peaceful protest is a protected form of expression under the First Amendment. To reduce risk and avoid unintended consequences: 

• Follow time, place and manner rules. Some activities require registration; for more information on registering activities on campus see the University Guidelines for Demonstrations. 
• Stay in public, reserved/permitted areas and avoid blocking entrances, exits, streets or emergency access. 
• Comply with lawful orders from public safety officials, even if you plan to challenge them later. 
• Do not interfere with law enforcement activities. Observing and recording activities in public spaces is different from obstruction if done at a reasonable distance to keep you and law enforcement safe. 
• Keep protests peaceful and nonviolent. Avoid actions that could be construed as threats or property damage. 
• Attend with a plan. Go with friends and know how and when to leave safely. 
• De-escalate when possible. If tensions rise, step back and prioritize your safety. 

Support and resources 
 
If you have questions or concerns, or if you experience an encounter that leaves you feeling unsafe, please reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students or Human Resources. We can connect you with campus resources and confidential support. 

We are committed to protecting your rights, your privacy and your ability to express yourselves safely and lawfully. 

Sincerely, 

John Fry 
President 

Cameron Etezady 
Vice President and University Counsel 

Jennifer Griffin 
Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police