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RESOLUTION OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS URGING YALE UNIVERSITY TO DEFEND ITS INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY AND NOT ENTER INTO A SETTLEMENT WITH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
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WHEREAS, Yale University is New Haven’s largest employer, largest landowner, and one of the City’s most significant civic, educational, and economic institutions; and
WHEREAS, Yale University’s decisions have significant consequences for the City of New Haven, including for its youth, students, working people, businesses, and residents; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Yale University concerning its admissions practices and has issued a Letter of Findings alleging violations of federal anti-discrimination law; and
WHEREAS, Yale University has entered into settlement negotiations with the federal government concerning these allegations; and
WHEREAS, the terms of any potential settlement remain unknown, and any agreement could impose restrictions, obligations, or other conditions affecting Yale’s admissions policies, institutional practices, or the rights, opportunities, security, or personal information of its students, faculty, and staff; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Alders recognizes the importance of Yale University maintaining its institutional independence and exercising its academic and administrative functions free from inappropriate political interference; and
WHEREAS, thousands of Yale students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the broader Yale community have called upon the University to reject a settlement and defend its institutional autonomy; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Haven has repeatedly acted to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of its residents in response to actions by the Trump Administration, including by protecting immigrant residents from federal immigration enforcement, defending access to essential programs such as food assistance, and affirming the City’s commitment to ensuring that all residents are treated with dignity and equal protection under the law; and
WHEREAS, as an institution deeply rooted in New Haven and possessing significant resources and influence, Yale University has a responsibility to stand alongside the communities in which it operates and to defend the rights, security, and dignity of its students, faculty, staff, and neighbors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New Haven Board of Alders supports the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who have called upon Yale University to reject a settlement with the federal government and defend its institutional autonomy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New Haven Board of Alders urges Yale University President Maurie McInnis and the Yale Corporation to decline to enter into a settlement with the federal government and, instead, to defend the University’s admissions policies and institutional independence through the appropriate legal and judicial processes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New Haven Board of Alders urges Yale University to ensure that its response to federal investigations or enforcement actions protects the rights, security, and personal information of Yale’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as academic freedom and institutional independence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to Yale University President Maurie McInnis and the Yale Corporation.