Colorado College remains committed to our strategy of creating a more just CC anchored in the liberal arts traditions of free academic inquiry, humanity, and social responsibility. Even as new federal orders understandably raise uncertainty and concern, our commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion remains unchanged. We continue to protect academic freedom and individual privacy, uphold the rights, and support the thriving of every member of our community.
In the past weeks, while we have seen injunctions on several executive orders, we have more clarity about three executive orders that pertain to how the federal government will redefine and regulate sex and gender markers in federal agencies moving forward. These include defining sex as a binary, restricting access to gender affirming care, and restrictions on transgender athlete participation.
New Federal Identification Standards
In this communication, I want to draw your attention specifically to the new federal identification standards recently issued by the state department.
As a reminder, federal identification such as a passport is required when traveling abroad, traveling in any region that is within 100 miles of a US Border, and entering federal facilities such as a research laboratory or prison. Starting May 7, 2025, you will also need a Real ID compliant identification to board a domestic flight. For identification purposes at Colorado College, no changes are necessary at this time.
Please remember that all non-U.S. citizens are required to have in their possession at all times proof of their lawful presence in the United States. If you are an international student present in the United States on an F-1 visa, this would be your passport plus your Form I-20. If you are present in the United States on a J-1 visa, this would be your passport plus your Form DS-2019. If you are present in the United States on any other visa status, this would be your passport plus your Form I-94.
Even if you are a U.S. citizen, you are advised, if at all possible, to carry a REAL-ID compliant form of identification with you while travelling any significant distance from campus.
Additional information will be coming to those who are directly impacted to clarify how these new federal requirements inform our practices at Colorado College, including travel documents and identification both within the United States and abroad and access to healthcare in the student center and through our employee benefits.
Resources available
The impacts of this information will be felt differently for each person. Please know we are committed to providing the unwavering care and support you have come to expect on campus.
If you would like to speak with someone about your concerns, please reach out to these areas:
