Click on a topic below to jump directly to that section.
(Last update: May 12, 2025 – added to Related UH News section)
Following the January 20, 2025, transition to a new presidential administration, the federal government has issued numerous Executive Orders (EOs) and other directives affecting U.S. institutions of higher education, including the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi. This website was created to provide updates, resources and information on how UH is responding to these EOs and other federal policy changes.
Federal funding compliance, upholding core values
UH receives hundreds of millions of dollars annually in federal funding for student services, scholarships, research, and other programs. To receive federal funding, UH and all other universities must comply with conditions attached to the funding. The university’s core values remain steadfast, and federal civil rights and state anti-discrimination laws remain unchanged.
Questions
If you have questions regarding the federal actions, UH‘s response or the website resources, please email: federal.questions@hawaii.edu.
UH leadership memos
UH President Hensel communications
UH President Wendy Hensel’s communications to the 10-campus system regarding the evolving federal landscape:
May 2
April 22
April 21
April 11
March 20
March 13
February 28
February 19
February 6
April 30
April 21
April 21
April 17
March 28
March 13
March 13
February 20
February 10
January 29
Federal Executive Orders and Directives
Executive Orders and directives issued by the Trump administration impacting higher education.
Directs the Secretary of Education to overhaul the higher education accreditation system.
Directs the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Education to submit a report outlining strategies to equip American workers for the growing demand in skilled trades and other occupations.
Executive Order: Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy
(April 23, 2025)
Directs the Attorney General to eliminate the use of disparate-impact liability in federal policymaking and enforcement and directs federal agencies to amend or revoke related regulations and actions
NIH policy update on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certification
Instructs federal agencies to review all covered contracts and grants within 30 days to reduce overall Federal spending, promote efficiency, and advance the policies of the Administration.
Executive Order 14188: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism
(January 29, 2025)
Federal agencies are directed to report on actions and authorities used to combat antisemitism, including pending complaints at higher education institutions.
Mandates that “sex” shall be defined as an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female and shall not include the concept of “gender identity” in federal policy and programs.
Revokes or modifies prior executive actions deemed harmful, aiming to realign federal policies with the new administration’s priorities.
Directs the Secretary of Education to increase transparency around foreign funding to U.S. educational institutions.
Executive Order: Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies
(April 23, 2025)
Directs the Secretary of Education to issue new guidance to educational agencies for school discipline and their obligations not to engage in racial discrimination.
Establishes a White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education to promote AI literacy and proficiency and appropriate integration into education
Updates on National Science Foundation Priorities
(April 22, 2025)
Updated guidance posted on April 18 on the priorities of the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Requires the Secretary of Education to take all steps necessary to close the U.S. Department of Education.
Mandates that schools and universities receiving federal funding must end race-based decision-making.
Rescinds Executive Order 11246 (1965), which mandated affirmative action.
Mandates the termination of all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) and environmental justice initiatives within the federal government, including entities that receive federal funding.
FAQs: Federal policy changes, UH compliances
General
What is an executive order?
Executive Orders (EOs) are not laws but rather rules, regulations, and instructions, which carry the force of law for federal agencies. They do not require the approval of Congress. Sequentially numbered, EOs are published in the Federal Register.
What do the executive orders require of UH employees?
The EOs are not directly binding on UH employees. That said, as the recipient of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, the university is impacted by EOs because they mandate federal agencies that provide significant funding to UH to monitor our compliance with the Trump policies as set forth in the EOs and in administrative actions. For example, the announcement in NOT-OD-25-068 that NIH would be reducing indirect cost rates to 15 percent across the board directly affects cost reimbursement for the university, which had negotiated a significantly higher rate of return.
How do the new Executive Orders impact UH?
At least four Executive Orders and a Dear Colleague Letter by the US Dept. of Education directly impact UH and other federally funded institutions:
- Executive Order 14148 – “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions” (signed January 20, 2025) revokes or modifies prior executive actions deemed harmful, aiming to realign federal policies with the new administration’s priorities.
- Executive Order 14151 – “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” (signed January 20, 2025) mandates the termination of all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) and environmental justice initiatives within the federal government, including entities that receive federal funding.
- Executive Order 14173 – “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” (signed January 21, 2025) rescinds Executive Order 11246 (1965), which mandated affirmative action.
- Executive Order 14168 – “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” (signed January 20, 2025) mandates that “sex” shall be defined as an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female and shall not include the concept of“gender identity” in federal policy and programs.
- February 14 Dear Colleague letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights mandates that schools and universities receiving federal funding must end race-based decision-making. The letter emphasizes that updated legal requirements will be strictly enforced, and institutions that fail to comply may risk losing federal funding.
- Executive Order 14222 – Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative (signed February 26, 2025) Federal agencies, in consultation with the Department of Government Efficiency, must review within 30 days all covered contracts and grants (“discretionary spending through Federal contracts, grants, loans, and related instruments”), and terminate or modify (including through renegotiation) such contracts and grants to reduce overall Federal spending, promote efficiency, and advance the policies of this Administration. This process is to “commence immediately and prioritize the review of funds disbursed under covered contracts and grants to educational institutions and foreign entities for waste, fraud, and abuse.”
How will these Executive Orders affect UH’s hiring policies?
With the rescission of EO 11246, UH is no longer authorized to comply with “Affirmative Action” requirements. The University remains an equal employment opportunity employer, and is still bound by State and federal employment and non-discrimination laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in the hiring, discharge, and compensation of employees, or in the terms, conditions or privileges of employment. If you have any questions in this regard, please contact your campus Equal Employment Opportunity office.
What is FERPA and what does it protect? (updated 4/7/25)
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that:
- Prohibits schools from disclosing personally identifiable information from a student’s education records without the student’s written consent.
- Makes exceptions for disclosures in response to a judicial subpoena or warrant.
Except with respect to SEVP information requests (see above), FERPA does not allow disclosures based solely on administrative immigration requests or ICE detainer requests.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
What does the EO regarding diversity, equity and inclusion require?
EO 14173 entitled, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”, orders all “departments and agencies to terminate all discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders and requirements” and to enforce civil rights laws to “combat illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities.” It also revokes EO 11246 (first issued in 1965), which was the basis for federal requirements for Affirmative Action plans and statements. EO 14173 also requires every contract and grant award to include a term requiring certification from the contractor / awardee that they do “not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.” On February 21, 2025, a federal court in Maryland enjoined parts of EO 14173, including the certification requirement. We await further developments.
Is DEI or DEIA defined in the EO?
No. A footnote in the Attorney General’s February 5, 2025 memo to all Department of Justice employees entitled, “Endling Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination and Preferences”, provides a broad theme in this regard: “…programs, initiatives, or policies that discriminate, exclude, or divide individuals based on race or sex.”
Federal agencies will be completing their required program reviews and issuing additional guidance over the coming weeks and months. By May 21, 2025, the Secretary of Education and Attorney General:
shall jointly issue guidance to all State and local educational agencies that receive Federal funds, as well as all institutions of higher education that receive Federal grants or participate in the Federal student loan assistance program under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1070, et seq., regarding the measures and practices required to comply with Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, 600 U.S. 181 (2023).
Though the February 14 Dear Colleague letter does not clearly define “discrimination,” it states that
, …under any banner, discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin is, has been, and will continue to be illegal.” It also states: “…treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent.
Are cultural observances now prohibited?
No, as long as they are not discriminatory, exclusionary or divisive. The same February 5 memo states that the memo is not intended to “prohibit educational, cultural, or historical observances—such as Black History Month, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or similar events—that celebrate diversity, recognize historical contributions, and promote awareness without engaging in exclusion or discrimination.”
Will EO 14173 mean that the University will not be supporting diversity, equity and inclusion?
No, the University of Hawaiʻi will remain true to our values and our community which is amongst the most diverse in the nation. The EOs do not change the fact that federal and State non-discrimination protections still exist and are enforceable. UH has always complied with non-discrimination laws and will continue to do so. As the federal administration provides new guidance on what qualifies as “discrimination” under federal law, we will monitor and adjust our activities as necessary to ensure compliance.
Are offices and campuses required to "scrub" their websites? (updated 3/12/25)
Due care should be taken to ensure compliance with federal and State anti-discrimination laws. Offices and campuses have determined for themselves and should determine whether the specific use of words or terminology on websites that may imply preferences based on racial or gender categories are in fact necessary, accurate, and worth the risk of reputational loss, legal challenge, and civil and criminal enforcement in light of evolving definitions from the federal government. The University will comply with federal law and the instructions from federal agencies that attach to the funds they provide. For further advice, please contact your campus administration or your campus Equal Employment Opportunity office, who are communicating regularly with University leadership and the Office of General Counsel.
What is the University of Hawaiʻi's position on the new Executive Orders?
UH remains committed to student success, well-being, and fostering a safe and welcoming educational environment for all members of its community. While UH must comply with new federal requirements to maintain funding, our core institutional values remain unchanged. UH has always complied with anti discrimination laws and will continue to do so.
International Students
Support for international students, faculty and scholars. Services are available across the UH System to support international students, faculty and scholars with guidance and assistance. Please contact the appropriate office below:
UH Mānoa International Students
UH Community College International Students
UH Hilo International Students
International Faculty and Scholars (All UH Campuses)
April 2 message from International Student Services and Faculty and Scholar Immigration Services
We understand that the recent executive orders and ongoing changes in immigration policies may be causing uncertainty, concern, and stress.
You are valued members of our university community, and we are here to support you. International Student Services (ISS) at issmanoa@hawaii.edu and Faculty and Scholar Immigration Services (FSIS) at fsis@hawaii.edu, in particular, are available to provide guidance and support. If you have any concerns about your immigration status, travel, or other related matters, please reach out to these offices.
In addition, we will do our best to keep you updated on evolving executive orders and actions that may impact you as international students, scholars, and faculty. To that end, below are some important updates and information for your consideration.
Upcoming Travel Bans and Restrictions
It has been reported that the Trump Administration will soon implement travel bans and restrictions on up to 43 different countries. While details are still emerging, these restrictions could limit entry into the U.S. for students, faculty, and researchers from these countries and/or impose stricter visa and reentry requirements. The scope of these potential restrictions is not yet clear. Please exercise caution when planning international travel. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, we advise avoiding non-essential travel outside of the United States until more information is available.
We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed as developments arise and as information is issued by the Department of State. Please keep in mind that we do not yet have definitive details, including which countries or visa categories would be affected, or the timing of any potential restrictions.
Visa Delays and Heightened Scrutiny
Due to recent changes in visa policies—including stricter screening and fewer interview waivers—international travelers should anticipate longer visa processing times. Applicants from certain countries or in sensitive fields of study may also face heightened scrutiny. Therefore, if you are planning to leave the U.S., please carefully assess visa renewal requirements and potential risks before traveling. If you anticipate needing a new visa, check appointment availability at your local U.S. embassy or consulate well in advance. If you have concerns about how these changes may affect you, please contact ISS at issmanoa@hawaii.edu or FSIS at
fsis@hawaii.edu for assistance.
Social Media Awareness
We want to remind you to be mindful when using social media, as online activity can sometimes have unintended consequences for visa holders or applicants. Social media posts, comments, and interactions may be publicly visible, even if your account is set to private. U.S. immigration officers may review social media activity during visa applications, renewals, or upon entry into the country. Posts that could be interpreted as controversial or linked to controversial causes or groups may lead to additional scrutiny.
While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech in the U.S., international students and visiting scholars are temporary visitors subject to immigration laws. These laws grant the executive branch significant discretion in excluding individuals from the United States who are deemed to be a threat. Your ability to enter or remain in the country may thus be affected by online behavior and speech perceived as supportive of causes or groups viewed unfavorably by the federal government.
Participating in Protests and Demonstrations
While the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the fundamental rights of free speech and assembly, given the current climate and evolving legal and immigration landscape, we strongly encourage you to exercise caution when considering participation in public demonstrations or protests. As international students and scholars, your visa status is subject to compliance with U.S. laws. Any arrest, citation, or legal issue could have serious immigration consequences and impact your ability to remain in or re-enter the U.S. Public gatherings can be unpredictable, and there is always a potential risk of escalation, even if you intend to participate
peacefully.
In closing, we appreciate your contributions to our campus community. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. You belong here, and we are here to support you.
International Students, Scholars, and Faculty FAQs
Information regarding international students (updated 3/12/25)
UH is also committed to protecting the rights of international students, including their right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, it is important to note that UH has no control over visa renewals, as federal authorities ultimately determine those.
What support is available for international students, scholars and faculty? (updated 4/15/25)
Support is available through:
- International Student Services (ISS): issmanoa@hawaii.edu
- Faculty and Scholar Immigration Services (FSIS): fsis@hawaii.edu
These offices can provide guidance on immigration status, travel, and other related concerns.
International students, scholars and faculty are a vital part of the University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana. UH is committed to protecting the rights of international community members, including their rights to free speech and peaceful protest. However, visa renewals are determined by federal authorities, and UH has no control over that process.
Are there upcoming travel bans or visa restrictions I should be aware of? (updated 4/7/25)
The Trump Administration is reportedly preparing new visa bans or restrictions affecting up to 43 countries. Although details are still emerging, these changes could limit U.S. entry or impose stricter visa requirements for students, faculty, and researchers from the affected countries.
- International students and scholars are advised to avoid non-essential travel outside the United States if you are a citizen of one of the countries possibly affected.
- Updates will be shared as more information becomes available from the Department of State; however, the New York Times reported in mid-March on a draft list of 43 countries which may be on the travel-ban list.
International students, scholars and faculty are a vital part of the University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana. UH is committed to protecting the rights of international community members, including their rights to free speech and peaceful protest. However, visa renewals are determined by federal authorities, and UH has no control over that process.
I need to travel internationally. What should I be aware of? (updated 4/7/25)
- Your visa allows you to be legally present in the United States per the terms of the visa. Once you leave the United States, you are not guaranteed re-entry.
- If a travel ban goes into effect while you are traveling outside the United States and you are from a country on the travel ban list, you will not be allowed re-entry into the United States and there will likely be no recourse.
Recent policy changes have reduced eligibility for visa interview waivers. As a result:
- More applicants will be required to attend in-person interviews.
- Processing delays and appointment backlogs may occur.
- You may also face increased scrutiny, especially if you’re from a high-risk country or involved in sensitive research areas.
Before traveling:
- Review visa renewal requirements carefully.
- Check U.S. embassy/consulate appointment availability early.
- Reach out to ISS or FSIS with questions or concerns.
International students, scholars and faculty are a vital part of the University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana. UH is committed to protecting the rights of international community members, including their rights to free speech and peaceful protest. However, visa renewals are determined by federal authorities, and UH has no control over that process.
Can my social media activity affect my visa or immigration status? (updated 4/7/25)
Yes. Be cautious with what you post online. Social media activity may be reviewed during visa applications or entry into the United States. Posts that could be perceived as controversial or linked to certain groups may lead to increased scrutiny.
While freedom of speech is protected under the First Amendment, international visitors are subject to immigration laws that may impact entry or visa status based on perceived risks.
International students, scholars and faculty are a vital part of the University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana. UH is committed to protecting the rights of international community members, including their rights to free speech and peaceful protest. However, visa renewals are determined by federal authorities, and UH has no control over that process.
Is it safe for me to participate in protests or public demonstrations? (updated 4/7/25)
Caution is strongly encouraged. While the right to protest is protected in the United States, any arrest or legal issue, regardless of intent, can have serious immigration consequences, including affecting the ability to stay in or return to the country. Public protests can be unpredictable, and visa status could be jeopardized by unforeseen legal complications.
Executive Order 14161, “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” issued on January 20, 2025 states that “[i]t is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.” The executive order does not define “hateful ideology.” Those present in the United States pursuant to a visa should be aware of this executive order when assessing risk of participation in protests or public demonstrations.
International students, scholars and faculty are a vital part of the University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana. UH is committed to protecting the rights of international community members, including their rights to free speech and peaceful protest. However, visa renewals are determined by federal authorities, and UH has no control over that process.
How will I stay informed about immigration changes that affect me? (updated 4/7/25)
UH is committed to keeping international students, scholars and faculty updated on relevant executive orders. UH will continue to share relevant updates as they become available.
International students, scholars and faculty are a vital part of the University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana. UH is committed to protecting the rights of international community members, including their rights to free speech and peaceful protest. However, visa renewals are determined by federal authorities, and UH has no control over that process.
Travel
UH President Wendy Hensel issued a memo on April 10 implementing new travel restrictions, along with other cost saving measures, in response to federal policy changes that are reducing federal funding and increasing financial uncertainty. The measures are designed to protect the university’s financial stability.
Travel Restrictions and Financial Guidance FAQs
What is the new travel guidance? (updated 4/16/25)
All travel expenditures must be carefully evaluated and limited until further notice. Approval authority has been delegated to the campus chancellor, provost or appropriate vice president based on the following criteria:
- Necessity of the travel, including relevance to promotion and tenure considerations.
- The traveler’s role (e.g., active presenter vs. general conference attendee).
- The funding source and likelihood of reimbursement if grant-based.
When was the new travel guidance announced? (updated 4/16/25)
The new guidance was announced in an April 11 message from UH President Hensel to the 10 UH campuses. A memo was sent to the leadership teams of each campus on April 10 – President Hensel Memo: General Financial Planning to Support Operations Adjustments, Federal Extramural Funding, and Financial Mitigation Measures
Why are new travel restrictions being implemented? (updated 4/16/25)
The University of Hawaiʻi is responding to significant federal policy changes that are impacting higher education nationwide, including reductions in federal funding. Since February 2025, UH has experienced the termination, suspension, or phase-out of multiple grants, along with reimbursements slowing, affecting research, academic, and service-related programs. Unfortunately, the number of impacted programs is expected to grow.
What other financial restrictions are being implemented? (updated 4/16/25)
- Hiring Restrictions
All new hires funded by extramural awards, the Tuition and Fee Special Fund (TFSF), or the Research and Training Revolving Fund (RTRF) must be approved by the respective chancellor, provost, or vice president. Hiring for permanent, general-funded positions may proceed through the normal process. - Consulting and Professional Services Contracts
All consulting and professional services contracts are subject to heightened review.- Renewals or extensions exceeding $100,000 per year chancellor, provost, or vice president’s approval. Contracts exceeding $250,000 per year require presidential approval.
Related UH News
Research
The UH Office of Research Services (ORS) provides guidance, updates and access to key resources to help researchers and staff navigate this evolving funding landscape:
The Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU) legal actions and resources:
Immigration Enforcement
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting all members of our community, regardless of immigration status. The FAQs below provide guidance on immigration enforcement, campus access, student privacy protections and available support resources.
What support is available for students, staff, and faculty with immigration concerns? (updated 4/7/25)
Support is available through:
- For more general immigration questions and resources, you may contact the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii.
- If a student, staff, or faculty has been detained/arrested by law enforcement, those attempting to locate them may call the Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Please note this number is not for general information, and should only be used for assistance in locating detained/arrested individuals: (808) 204-5951.
- Offices at the University of Hawaii may contact Associate General Counsel Stephen Hall at the Office of General Counsel, (808) 956-2211; stephen.hall@hawaii.edu.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Can federal immigration officers enter UH campuses and make arrests? (updated 4/7/25)
Federal immigration enforcement officers have the legal right to enter public areas of any UH campus. The Hawaiʻi State Attorney General has directed all state agencies, including the University of Hawaiʻi, not to interfere with lawful federal enforcement operations.
However, immigration officers cannot enter nonpublic areas (such as classrooms, residence halls, or administrative offices) without either a judicial warrant signed by a judge, or explicit permission from an authorized UH official.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
What is considered a “public” versus “nonpublic” campus space? (updated 4/7/25)
Public spaces include areas open to the general public without restriction, such as:
- Sidewalks and outdoor campus grounds
- Food courts
- Athletic arenas and stadiums
- Theaters or other public event venues
- Hallways and the public areas of business offices
Nonpublic spaces include areas where access is restricted, such as:
- University residence halls
- Classrooms in session
- Faculty and staff offices
- Nonpublic areas of business offices
- Research labs<
- Buildings requiring UH ID access or with locked/monitored entrances
Even if a space is unlocked during the day, it may still be considered nonpublic based on its purpose and use.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Have there been any immigration-related arrests on UH campuses? (updated 4/7/25)
No. There have been no reported immigration enforcement actions or arrests on any UH campus to date.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Can immigration officers access student records or immigration status information? (updated 4/7/25)
No, not without legal authorization.
The University of Hawaiʻi will only share student or employee information when legally required, such as through a judicial warrant or a subpoena signed by a judge. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student records and personal information. The Office of General Counsel (OGC) must be consulted first before responding to any such requests.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
When can federal immigration officers enter nonpublic campus spaces without consent? (updated 4/7/25)
Only under very specific conditions: Federal immigration officers must present a judicial warrant signed by a judge to lawfully access nonpublic areas without prior consent.
- An administrative warrant, such as an order of deportation or removal, does not authorize access to nonpublic areas.
- Without a judicial warrant, UH is not legally required to grant access or assist in locating individuals on campus.
If officers request access or present any documents, employees should immediately contact their supervisor and the Office of General Counsel.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
How should UH employees respond to a request for access to nonpublic spaces? (updated 4/7/25)
If immigration officers request access to student information and/or any nonpublic area of campus:
- Be civil and professional, and ask for identification and any paperwork they have with them, like a warrant.
- Do not volunteer access or share information.
- Immediately notify your unit/department head and the Office of General Counsel (OGC).
- Wait for OGC’s guidance on how to proceed.
Even if officers present documents like a warrant or subpoena, employees should not act without legal review.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Can federal immigration officers access student records or immigration status information? (updated 4/7/25)
UH will not share student or employee information unless required to do so by law. This means:
- A judicial subpoena or warrant signed by a judge is required for the release of protected records.
- Administrative or civil immigration documents (e.g., from the Department of Homeland Security) do not authorize access to student records.
UH complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the confidentiality of student education records.
Universities are required to exchange data with federal immigration agencies on the status of international students on F-1, J-1 or M visas through use of a government database named “SEVIS,” which is part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). In addition, certain information about those students is required to be retained and produced by the University upon request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to the Department of Education, FERPA permits institutions to comply with information requests from DHS in order to comply with the requirements of the SEVP program. However, this does NOT create a blanket waiver of an international student’s FERPA rights; the information that can be disclosed is limited to the categories listed in DHS regulations, and a request must be made to a campus Designated School Official (DSO). Other information about international students is entitled to the same FERPA protection that otherwise governs student records.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Can federal immigration officers enter a student’s private residence, such as a dorm room, apartment, or house? (updated 4/7/25)
No. Private residences—including dorm rooms, residence halls, apartments, and houses—are considered nonpublic spaces under the law. Federal immigration officers cannot legally enter these spaces without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, or voluntary consent from the resident (student or occupant, including roommates).
Students have the right to refuse entry if officers do not present a judicial warrant. This applies whether the residence is on-campus or off-campus.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
What is the difference between a judicial warrant and an administrative warrant? (updated 4/7/25)
A judicial warrant is signed by a judge and issued by a court. It authorizes entry into nonpublic spaces and is required for searches and arrests in private or restricted areas. A judicial warrant will typically list a court name and judge’s signature
An administrative warrant is issued by a federal agency, not a judge, and does not authorize entry into nonpublic areas. It is often used for deportation or removal orders, but has limited authority. An administrative warrant usually says “Department of Homeland Security” at the top.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Do individuals have to speak to immigration officers or provide documents? (updated 4/7/25)
No. Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You do not have to answer questions, provide documents, or sign anything.
- You have the right to request a lawyer before speaking or responding.
This applies to students, faculty, and staff—regardless of immigration status.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Are UH campuses considered “sanctuary campuses”? (updated 4/7/25)
No. UH campuses are not sanctuary campuses. UH does not operate a campus police force on any of its 10 campuses and does not have the legal authority to declare sanctuary status. However, the university is committed to protecting the rights, privacy, and safety of all members of its community, regardless of immigration status, in accordance with our laws and policies.
Additionally, Executive Order 14159, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” signed on January 20, 2025, rescinded the Biden-era policy designating schools, colleges, and universities as “protected areas,” with limitations on enforcement actions. This means that UH is no longer “off limits” for immigration enforcement action, but no such action has taken place to date.
The University of Hawaiʻi is committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. The safety and well being of our students, no matter who they are or where they are from, are our top priorities.
Mental Health Resources FAQs
Where can students and employees find mental health support?
University of Hawaiʻi free speech and facilities policies and guidelines
UH Advisory Council
The Presidential Advisory Council on Federal Policy will serve as a key group for communicating emerging federal policies and guiding the university’s response and strategy. Composed of diverse voices from our community, the council will foster transparency and collaboration as UH navigates the evolving policies.
Stakeholder group members
Asher Griffith
Student, Kauaʻi Community College
(2-Year Undergraduate Student rep)
Lūlani Chung-Kuehu
Vice President, ASUH West Oʻahu
(4-year Undergraduate Student rep)
Brayden Wacker
Vice President, UH Mānoa Graduate Student Organization
David Karl
Victor and Peggy Brandstrom Pavel Professor of Microbial Oceanography and Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, UH Mānoa
Chair, UH System Research Faculty Member
Michelle Tallquist
Professor, Center for Cardiovascular Research, John A Burns School of Medicine, UH Mānoa
All Campus Council of Faculty Senate Chairs
Jaret KC Leong
Director of Mānoa Academy and Academic Pathways, College of Social Sciences, UH Mānoa
UH Staff Council
Sarah Moriarty
Exec Program Officer, Office of Faculty Excellence – Academic Personnel, UH Mānoa
Presidentʻs Commission on the Status of Women
Tara O’Neill
Professor, Curriculum Studies
Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Equality
Ākeamakamae Kiyuna
Assistant Professor, Humanities, Hawaiʻi Community College
Pūkoʻa Council
Randy Perreira
Executive Director, Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO
Christian Fern
Executive Director, University of Hawaiʻi Professional Assembly
Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu “Punihei” Lipe
Director, Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao, UH System
Jeff Long
Director of Human Resources, UH System
Jennifer Rose
Executive Director for EEO/TIX, UH System
Christine Quemuel
Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success (SEED), UH Mānoa
Samuel Shomaker
Dean, John A. Burns School of Medicine, UH Mānoa
Bonnie Irwin
Chancellor, UH Hilo
Maenette Benham
Chancellor, UH West Oʻahu
Michael Bruno
Provost, UH Mānoa
Della Teraoka
Vice President for Community Colleges, UH System
Debora Halbert
Vice President for Academic Strategy, UH System
Carrie Okinaga
Vice President for Legal Affairs/University General Counsel, UH System
Vassilis Syrmos
Vice President for Research and Innovation, UH System
Hawaiʻi State Attorney General Statements and Legal Actions
The Hawaiʻi State Attorney General has joined other states in challenging several Executive Orders in court, with the University of Hawaiʻi providing information to support these legal efforts as they pertain to UH:
March 24
February 10
January 31
January 28
March 5
February 10
January 31
Student and employee mental health services
Resources and support for mental health services available to students and employees across the UH system:
