St. John’s University Halts Partnership with Border Protection
St. John’s University, the largest Catholic university in New York, has decided to suspend its cooperation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, particularly programs aimed at training students for careers in homeland security. This decision comes in response to public outcry over the recent fatal shooting of two Americans by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Notably, the university boasts numerous alumni who have pursued careers in law enforcement, including former New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, who also held the position of U.S. Customs Commissioner under President Bill Clinton.
Last June, St. John’s had joined forces with CBP’s New York Field Office to set up the Border Security and Intelligence Research Laboratory.
“A productive dialogue with U.S. Customs and Border Protection led to the mutual decision to suspend our academic partnership prior to its scheduled renewal,” stated Simon Moller, the university’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Recently, Vatican officials expressed strong condemnation regarding the fatal shooting of a protester in Minneapolis, labeling it “unacceptable.”
Renee Good, who was a mother of three, died at the hands of ICE agents following an altercation inside her vehicle. Meanwhile, Alex Preti, an ICU nurse, was shot by Border Patrol agents who had a loaded weapon with them.
Both individuals were involved in protests against ICE, and authorities indicated that the federal officers acted in self-defense amid perceived threats.
Reports have indicated that St. John’s partnership with CBP was put on hold, reflecting a significant shift in the university’s approach to border security programs.
In a separate development, Customs and Border Protection plans to skip the upcoming career fair at Villanova University, another Catholic institution, following student protests.
This represents another notable decision from St. John’s University, particularly after conservative backlash emerged when the student government blocked a conservative speaker from opening a chapter on campus last fall.
