Rider Supported Lawsuit Against ICE Over International Students

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Rider University was one of a number of institutions that supported a lawsuit filed by Harvard University and MIT against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which would prohibit international students from coming to or staying in the United States if they attend a school that offers only online courses during the coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday, the United States rescinded a policy that required all students to take at least one class in-person amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Bloomberg.

“Rider University welcomes students from around the world who seek to be educated and supported as active members of our inclusive and vibrant living and learning community,” Rider University President Dr. Gregory G. Dell’Omo said prior to Tuesday's announcement. “These rules, abruptly issued during a worldwide health pandemic, are troublesome to all international students as institutions of higher education move to modes of instruction that are aimed at keeping our communities safe and healthy.”

Harvard and MIT filed the lawsuit in Federal District Court in Boston on July 8. The first hearing for the suit, which sought a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order, was scheduled for Tuesday, the day the federal government announced its decision to rescind the policy. The amicus brief which Rider joined was filed by the Proskauer law firm today.

“We are proud to stand with other institutions of higher education all across this country in our steadfast support of international students,” Dell’Omo said. “As an inclusive community, these rules are inconsistent with Rider’s core values.”

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Rider previously announced a comprehensive reopening plan includes options for both on-campus and virtual instruction, as well as a hybrid plan for the fall semester. The fall semester will begin one week earlier than previously planned, on Aug. 31, in order to avoid the beginning of the cold and flu season. Read more here: Rider To Offer On-Campus Instruction, Living In The Fall

“Our plan ensures the highest level of academic instruction while also working to protect the health and safety of Rider’s campus community,” Dell’Omo said. “While we await the outcome of this lawsuit, we will continue working closely with our international students to ensure they are able to register for in-person courses under our hybrid model and therefore be in compliance with these new rules.

“Our international students have our full support. Every student at Rider enriches our community in countless ways.”

To read Rider's full plan, visit rider.edu.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know