Standing Firm Together: Championing the Rights of International Students

Posted on November 18, 2025 in Blog Posts

Authors:

Jamia Williams
Illustration of an international student sitting atop a stack of books against the backdrop of the world

In light of recent events, including increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and heightened scrutiny of international students, I want to explore in this blog post how academic libraries can play a crucial role in supporting these vulnerable populations. By fostering awareness of rights, collaborating with various campus departments, and creating safe spaces for dialogue, libraries can provide invaluable support to international students during these challenging times.

Education on Our Rights

One of the most impactful ways libraries can support international students is by fostering awareness of our rights and responsibilities. Many of us arrive with a limited understanding of how these rights function within our communities, especially when interacting with the state. This creates an important opportunity for academic libraries to serve as educational hubs where knowledge and empowerment intersect. By offering workshops, resources, and discussions on civic engagement and legal literacy, libraries can help international students feel more confident navigating complex systems. Ultimately, when we understand our rights, we are better equipped to advocate for ourselves and make meaningful contributions to our communities.

Librarians can organize workshops for staff, faculty, and students that cover topics such as knowing our rights. Knowing our rights is paramount, and ensuring that academic library staff have this training is just as important as it is for the wider academic institution. Therefore, you can create workshops for both library staff and the entire campus community. Collaborating with organizations and with legal experts to provide information on immigration rights can empower students to understand their legal standing. Additionally, training people on how to interact with authorities, especially ICE, is necessary at this pivotal time. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has published valuable information on immigrants’ rights on their website, which is a great resource. By providing this crucial information, libraries can help alleviate some of the fears that everyone may have.

Collaboration with Campus Departments

To create a comprehensive support system for international and marginalized students, libraries should collaborate with various campus departments, including:

  • International Student Office: Partnering with the international student department can help libraries stay informed about the specific needs and concerns of international students. Joint events and workshops can enhance outreach and support.
  • Ethnic Studies and History Departments: Collaborating with ethnic studies departments can help libraries develop resources and programming that address the cultural and social issues faced by marginalized students. This can include discussions on identity, representation, and advocacy. Additionally, offering context about the historical events and social conditions that shape our present helps deepen understanding. Learning about the challenges and injustices faced by those before us provides valuable insight into the systems we navigate today and fosters a more informed, empathetic community.
  • Cultural Clubs and Organizations: Engaging with cultural clubs allows libraries to create programming that resonates with diverse student populations. Co-hosting events, such as cultural celebrations or informational sessions, can foster a sense of community and belonging.

These collaborations can enhance the library’s ability to support students effectively.

Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue

Academic libraries can serve as brave spaces for international and marginalized students to express their concerns and experiences. This can be achieved through support groups, which can bring faculty and staff together in a meaningful and supportive way. Establishing support groups where students can share their experiences and discuss issues related to immigration, culture, and identity can provide emotional support and solidarity. Another way to support students is by hosting open forums where students can engage with librarians and guest speakers on topics relevant to their experiences, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. This could include panel discussions, film screenings, or informational displays. These discussions can cover topics like coping strategies, mental health resources, and advocacy. By creating these brave spaces, libraries can help students feel heard and supported.

Advocacy and Awareness

By providing access to resources, Libraries can enhance their collections and services to better support international and marginalized students. This includes creating resource guides with information on legal rights, mental health resources, and academic support services, and promoting them so that students can utilize them effectively. Doing so can empower students to seek help when needed. Think of creative ways to showcase these guides, such as creating bookmarks, posting on social media, or highlighting them on library screens. By ensuring that resources are accessible, libraries can better serve the diverse needs of their student populations. Expanding collections to include materials in multiple languages can also help students feel more included in the academic community.

Finally, libraries can play a critical role in advocacy and awareness efforts on campus. This can involve advocating for policy changes. Librarians can work with campus administration to advocate for policies that protect the rights of international students, ensuring their voices are heard in institutional decision-making processes. By taking an active role in advocacy, libraries can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

International students often face unique challenges, particularly in a climate of uncertainty regarding immigration policies. Many fear deportation or legal repercussions, which can significantly impact their academic performance and mental well-being. According to the American Council on Education, the well-being of these students is paramount, and libraries can play a vital role in providing support and resources. In a time of uncertainty and fear for many international and marginalized students, academic libraries play a crucial role. By educating students about their rights, collaborating with campus departments, creating brave spaces for dialogue, providing access to resources, and advocating for policy changes, libraries can foster an environment of support and empowerment.

As we continue to navigate these challenging times, academic libraries need to uphold their commitment to equity and inclusion for all students. To learn more about how libraries can better support international students, explore the resources below, which include both those my mentor shared with me and those I have discovered through my own research. Together, these materials offer valuable guidance. True progress in this work can only happen when we learn, share, and act together.

Resources

Headshot of Jamia Williams

About the author:

Jamia Williams (she/her) is a health sciences librarian. She is also the co-creator and co-host of the podcast LibVoices and the founder of The Diversity Fellow’s blog.

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Header image is a detail of This is Harlem by Jacob Lawrence. Courtesy of Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. © 2021 The Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. For more information, click here.

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