St. John's University has temporarily halted a partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that aimed to train students in homeland security, following widespread criticism from faculty, students, and alumni. The Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies was launched just last year but has been met with fierce opposition due to concerns over its compatibility with the university's mission.
The decision to suspend the partnership was made after "constructive conversations" between university officials and CBP, according to an administrator's statement. However, the move is seen as a significant blow to the organization, which had previously touted it as a way to prepare students for careers in homeland security.
Critics argue that the program raises significant concerns about the university's commitment to social justice and its Catholic mission, particularly given Pope Leo XIV's criticism of the Trump administration's mass deportation effort. The suspension has been welcomed by faculty members who formed a collective, "No CBP at SJU," which opposed the partnership from the start.
The move comes amidst a growing nationwide backlash over federal immigration enforcement, including high-profile incidents like the fatal shootings of two American citizens in Minneapolis. St. John's Latin American Law Students Association and other groups have spoken out against such actions, calling for greater action to address the harm caused by these policies.
The university's decision has sparked renewed debate about its role in promoting social justice and addressing issues of inequality. With the program suspended indefinitely, questions remain about what this means for students who were expecting to participate in the initiative.
The decision to suspend the partnership was made after "constructive conversations" between university officials and CBP, according to an administrator's statement. However, the move is seen as a significant blow to the organization, which had previously touted it as a way to prepare students for careers in homeland security.
Critics argue that the program raises significant concerns about the university's commitment to social justice and its Catholic mission, particularly given Pope Leo XIV's criticism of the Trump administration's mass deportation effort. The suspension has been welcomed by faculty members who formed a collective, "No CBP at SJU," which opposed the partnership from the start.
The move comes amidst a growing nationwide backlash over federal immigration enforcement, including high-profile incidents like the fatal shootings of two American citizens in Minneapolis. St. John's Latin American Law Students Association and other groups have spoken out against such actions, calling for greater action to address the harm caused by these policies.
The university's decision has sparked renewed debate about its role in promoting social justice and addressing issues of inequality. With the program suspended indefinitely, questions remain about what this means for students who were expecting to participate in the initiative.
The partnership with CBP was always suspect and it's great that they listened to everyone's concerns. I mean, who wants their university to be seen as just another tool for the government to enforce its immigration policies? 
Not fair to those students who were already marginalized or vulnerable. Now, we can finally have an open discussion about what kind of programs our universities should be supporting - ones that promote social justice and equality, not ones that perpetuate harm.
. I mean, I get it, they didn't want to deal with all that heat from the critics. But now they're leaving their students high and dry 
. Who's gonna train them in homeland security? It's not like CBP was gonna pay them to sit around all day... but still, this is a big bummer for those who wanted to get into that field 
. And what about the uni's whole "commitment to social justice" thing? Now it seems like they're just talking the talk and not walking the walk 
. I'm curious to see how this all plays out...
. I get why people are opposed to it, but at the same time, I feel bad for students who were counting on this training... did they even have a choice? The whole thing just seems so complicated 
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. I mean, who wouldn't want to train students in homeland security? But at the same time, it's great that faculty members are speaking up and making sure their voices are heard 
. It's all about finding a balance between preparing students for careers and promoting social justice. Maybe this suspension is an opportunity for them to re-evaluate what they want to achieve with this program 
. Anyway, I'm loving the renewed debate around social justice – it's so important for our society right now 
!
. I mean, can't we just focus on educating people instead of training them to deport others? 
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. Now that the partnership is off the table, what's next? Will SJU re-evaluate its priorities and find new ways to foster a more inclusive learning environment or will they just roll with the punches? Only time will tell 
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... like how can a university partner with an org that's all about deporting people? It's literally like they're profiting off people being oppressed 
It just highlights how much of a messed up system we have in this country 
. And can we even talk about the Pope's involvement here? Like, come on, dude 
. This decision is so brave of St John's to make, but I know it won't be easy... they're basically going against everything that the university stands for 
. dont get me wrong, social justice is super important, but isnt there a way to balance that with preparing people for careers in security without causing more controversy? 
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The fact that St John's U is finally listening to their own community and acknowledging some of these concerns is a step in the right direction 
. Now we just gotta wait and see how this whole thing plays out 