Rights and Resources
To cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community, Clark College educates, empowers, and elevates individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. Clark College affirms our sustained commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students can pursue their education. We are so glad you are a part of the Clark College community. You belong here.
The college will monitor federal changes that impact our students, employees, and communities. We will continue to share resources and updates as we receive them.
The list below has been created to help connect our students, employees, and community members with resources and organizations available for support. The content and views presented in the resources reflect the perspectives of the organization providing them. The college will remain in compliance with federal and state laws and adhere to policies and practices that have been established, including, but not limited to:
- RCW 49.60.030: Freedom from Discrimination - Declaration of civil rights.
- Washington Title 28B - Higher Education - Covers diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) - Aligns with Washington agencies and institutions.
- Clark College Policy 750.000: Immigration Rights and Non-Discrimination
- Clark College Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy
Know Your Rights
Clark College has adopted an “Immigration and Student Records Policy."
Here are FAQs related to the policy:
Q: What would Clark do if immigration enforcement came to campus?
A: As a public institution of higher education, our college has public spaces and
nonpublic spaces. Our employees will not grant permission to nonpublic areas (such
as offices and classrooms) without a judicial order or warrant.
Q: Would Clark release student information to federal agents?
A: As required by federal law, we do not disclose protected information from student
education records, unless required in response to a lawfully issued subpoena or court
order.
Q: Are any student records public?
A: Higher education institutions do share certain information called “directory information,”
but FERPA laws allow students to opt out of sharing directory information. Opt out
by stopping by the Registrar's Office or the Vice President of Student Affairs located
in Gaiser Hall.
Q: How can immigration status affect admission at Clark?
A: We do not base admissions decisions on immigration or citizenship status. Furthermore,
our campus security personnel will never question or attempt to detain individuals
based on their immigration status.
Q: How can immigration status affect applying for student aid?
A: Our Financial Aid team can help students determine whether or not they are qualified
to apply for the WASFA or FAFSA. As we are committed to protecting the confidentiality
of the information and privacy of students and their families, we do not share personal
information listed on the WASFA and FAFSA for immigration enforcement purposes without
a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.
Information on what to do if you are stopped by police or immigration agents
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Federal law that protects the privacy of students by limiting who can access their
education records.
Legal Resources
- Northwest Justice Project
Provides free legal assistance to address issues such as housing, family safety, income security, health care, education, and more across Washington State. - Washington Public Assistance for Immigrants
Explains what benefits undocumented individuals may be eligible for. - QLaw Foundation
Offers a wide range of services to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Washington, including direct legal services, trainings, consulting, advocacy, litigation support, amicus work, and impact litigation.
Campus Resources
- Clark College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Available to assist all of the college community, especially those most historically underserved in our communities. - Campus Safety & Security
On campus 24 hours a day. Call Clark College Security (Main campus) at 360-992-2133 or CTC Security at 360-992-6133. Learn more about emergency procedures at Clark College and sign up for the Rave Alert notification system. - Online Reporting System for Bias-based Incidents
Any person who witnesses, becomes aware of, or is subject to bias-based expression should immediately report the incident to Campus Security, ODEI, or through the online reporting system for bias-based incidents. - Counseling & Health Services
Offers free, confidential mental health counseling, support groups, and low-cost medical services on campus. Contact Counseling & Health Services by phone or text at 360-992-2614, or email Counseling and Health. - The Basic Needs Hub
Offers resources and support for all students, and has a licensed therapy dog, Oso, for students to hang out with.
Local and State Resources
- Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Immigration Counseling and Advocacy Program (Vancouver Office) helps refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers rebuild their lives in a new country. - Southwest WA LULAC Council 47013
Works hard to deliver the mission of advancing the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Latino population in Southwest Washington. - Ukrainian Association of Washington State (UAWS)
Promotes community empowerment, leadership development, self-reliance and health promotion for the greater refugee/immigrant community in the State of Washington. - Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance
Helps refugee and immigrant families and individuals succeed and thrive in Washington state. - Queer Resource Center
Serves lesbian, gay, bi, pan, trans, nonbinary, intersex, asexual/aromantic, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth ages 12-24, and their allies, in Vancouver and the greater Southwest Washington area.
National Resources
- Informed Immigrant
Provides knowledge and resources to feel prepared in our unpredictable political and enforcement environment. Connects to both local and national immigration support programs. - Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Provides a step-by-step family preparedness plan. - Higher Education Immigration Portal
Provides multiple resources, including waivers for degree certification. - The Trevor Project
The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. - Disability Rights Washington
Protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Our mission is to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities. We work to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights.