In a message on October 16, 2025, President Leon Botstein informed the College community about the detainment of Ali Faqirzada, a Bard Baccalaureate student, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The President’s full message can be read here.

Bard College has joined the Episcopal Diocese of New York and Human Rights First in calling for Faqirzada’s release. Read the College’s statement here and the joint statement here. Further updates will be shared as the College continues to advocate on behalf of Ali with elected officials and other community leaders.

On November 13, 2025, President Leon Botstein updated the College community on the status of Ali Faqirzada's case. Read the message here.

On November, 26, 2025, Malia K. Du Mont '95, Chief of Staff & VP for Strategy and Policy at Bard, sent a message to the College community with an update on Ali Faqirzada's case and a note of thanks from his family. Read the message here.