UND Hosts Legal Observer Training, Sparking Debate on Campus

University president emphasizes safety as key priority in allowing the event

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a university classroom filled with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, evoking a sense of contemplation and the weight of complex social issues.The legal observer training event at UND sparks debate around the university's role in fostering open dialogue on contentious issues.Grand Forks Today

The University of North Dakota recently hosted a legal observer training event led by the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. The training aimed to inform attendees on their constitutional rights and how to document potential civil rights violations by law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the university president offered to invite representatives from the Department of Homeland Security to discuss safety protocols, the coalition declined, stating their focus was on empowering the community. Some faculty, like Professor Erick Resek, saw the training as a positive opportunity to expose students to real-world examples of the law in action and varied perspectives. However, concerns were raised about the university police department's cooperation with ICE and the potential impact on student trust.

Why it matters

The legal observer training event at UND reflects broader debates around immigration enforcement, civil rights, and the role of universities in fostering open dialogue on contentious issues. As immigration policies continue to evolve, there are concerns about the impact on local communities and the need to ensure constitutional protections are upheld.

The details

The legal observer training was led by Dalton Erickson, the executive director of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition. Erickson's presentation focused on informing attendees about their constitutional rights and the systems in place to protect them, particularly in the context of increased ICE enforcement activity in the region. While UND President Andrew Armacost offered to invite representatives from the Department of Homeland Security to discuss safety protocols, the coalition declined, stating their focus was on empowering the community. Professor Erick Resek, who teaches at UND's School of Law, saw the training as a positive opportunity to expose students to real-world examples of the law in action and varied perspectives. However, concerns were raised about the university police department's cooperation with ICE and the potential impact on student trust.

  • The legal observer training event was held in February 2026 at the University of North Dakota.
  • In the leadup to the event, UND President Andrew Armacost offered to invite representatives from the Department of Homeland Security to discuss safety protocols.

The players

Erick Resek

Director of the UND Immigration Law Clinic, who welcomed the legal observer training as an opportunity to expose students to real-world examples of the law in action and varied perspectives.

Andrew Armacost

The president of the University of North Dakota, who offered to invite representatives from the Department of Homeland Security to discuss safety protocols for the legal observer training event.

Dalton Erickson

The executive director of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, who led the legal observer training event at UND.

Rodney Clark

The chief of the University Police Department and assistant vice president of public safety, who stated that UPD cooperates with other law enforcement agencies, including immigration enforcement, as part of their oath to defend the Constitution.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's great.”

— Erick Resek, Director of UND Immigration Law Clinic

“Now, more than ever, building community is important. Part of safety and community safety is knowing your neighbors.”

— Dalton Erickson, Executive Director, North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

“My fundamental principle is making sure people get good information and make good decisions with their health and safety in mind.”

— Andrew Armacost, President, University of North Dakota

What’s next

The university plans to continue monitoring the situation and maintaining open dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community.

The takeaway

The legal observer training event at UND highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of universities in fostering open discussions on contentious issues. While the university aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment, there are concerns about the potential impact on student trust and the need to balance compliance with the law and protecting civil liberties.