Marium Asif

This story was published in collaboration with City Bureau. Support City Bureau’s work to reimagine local journalism and sign up for its free weekly Newswire newsletter. CHICAGO — If there is one thing to draw hope from amid the descent of federal agents into Chicago over the past month, it’s how Chicagoans far and wide are showing up in support of one another.

Kelly Xi, a lecturer in Contemporary Practices, Art Tech and Sound Practices, and the Low-Residency MFA, was suspended from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on Dec. 3, 2024, due to allegations of solicitation, misuse of printing and computing resources, and involvement in a student’s attempt to disrupt the Oct. 23 Career Fair, according to Xi. The grievance revolves around allegations of policy violation and infringement on academic freedom.

Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, a slew of executive orders have been passed, influencing everything from immigration to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Several of these orders already impact or could impact students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where international students make up 29-31% of the student body.