To the Bard Community:

It has now been one month since Ali Faqirzada, a full-time student in the Bard Baccalaureate program, was detained by US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. He is being held at a facility in Newark, New Jersey. Members of the Bard community, including professors and senior administrators of the College, have visited him there, and he is able to speak with his family every day.

The College, working closely with Ali’s family, the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and Ali’s pro bono legal team at Human Rights First and Quinn Emanuel (where he is represented by two Bard alumni/ae), has advocated vigorously for his release by coordinating with state and federal officials at the highest levels, and through public statements and media engagements as outlined on this page on the College’s website. Congressman Pat Ryan, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, and Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey have been particularly supportive and helpful in communicating with the federal government about Ali’s case. The College is also coordinating closely with non-profit organizations — including the Presidents’ Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration (of which Bard is a founding member), the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, and AfghanEvac — to bring attention to Ali’s situation and explore all avenues for facilitating his release. 

Ali’s asylum hearing was originally scheduled to take place today, November 13. However, once he was detained and moved to New Jersey, the court with jurisdiction changed and his case was taken off the calendar. His lawyers are waiting on the new date, and have filed an amended habeas corpus petition as well as a second emergency motion seeking his immediate release. Those proceedings are ongoing in federal court. 

As we work for Ali’s release, we are also putting into place additional supports for the many students who make Bard their home. Please contact the Dean of Students Office if you have questions or need assistance.    

The situation is serious since it violates the fundamental principles of our democracy, the rule of law, and undermines its ethical standards. Continued support from Bard, government officials, and the surrounding community, including many alumni/ae, is vital. We will continue to use every possible opportunity to call for Ali’s release and showcase the breadth of community support that he has. 

Sincerely,
Leon Botstein
President