Honoring Jocelyn Nungaray
March 5, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose and Policy: Condemns the previous administration’s open-border immigration policies, linking them to increased criminal activity and tragic loss of American lives, exemplified by the brutal murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.
- Tribute to Jocelyn Nungaray: Declares that the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge will be renamed to honor Jocelyn, commemorating her as a cherished American and symbol of national values.
- Renaming Directive: Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to update procedures and complete the renaming process within 30 days under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, ensuring all federal references are adjusted accordingly.
- General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not impair existing statutory authorities or create enforceable rights, and its implementation is subject to applicable laws and available appropriations.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order focuses on renaming a national wildlife refuge to honor a victim of crime, which primarily serves a symbolic purpose. This action does not directly impact Vanderbilt University or its operations.
- There is a potential indirect impact on public sentiment and discourse around immigration policies, which could influence the university’s community and its engagement with immigration-related issues.
- The order does not introduce new policies or regulations that would require compliance or adaptation by educational institutions like Vanderbilt University.
- Vanderbilt may consider monitoring any shifts in public policy or sentiment regarding immigration, as these could affect international students and faculty, although this specific order does not mandate such changes.
Impacted Programs
- No specific programs at Vanderbilt University are directly impacted by this Executive Order, as it pertains to the renaming of a wildlife refuge and does not involve educational or research initiatives.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services might remain vigilant about broader immigration policy changes that could arise from the administration’s stance, although this order itself does not necessitate immediate action.
Financial Impact
- There is no direct financial impact on Vanderbilt University from this Executive Order, as it does not involve funding changes or financial regulations affecting educational institutions.
- Vanderbilt’s financial planning and resource allocation remain unaffected by the symbolic nature of this order.
Relevance Score: 1 (The order presents no impact or very little impact on the university.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Conservation Programs should consider engaging with the newly renamed Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge for potential research and conservation projects. This could provide opportunities for field studies and partnerships in wildlife preservation and environmental education.
- The Office of Community Engagement might explore opportunities to collaborate with local and national organizations involved in wildlife conservation and community outreach, leveraging the renaming of the refuge to promote awareness and educational initiatives.
Opportunities
- The renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies to analyze the impacts of federal actions on local communities and conservation efforts. This could lead to valuable insights and publications on the intersection of policy, community, and environmental stewardship.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School could use this executive order as a case study in courses related to environmental law and policy, examining the legal processes and implications of renaming federal lands.
Relevance Score: 2 (The order requires minor updates to processes, primarily in terms of potential engagement with conservation efforts and educational opportunities.)
Timeline for Implementation
Within 30 days of March 5, 2025, the renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge must be completed.
Relevance Score: 4
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of the Interior: Charged with renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge and updating all related federal procedures and documents in accordance with the directive.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only one key Federal agency is directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of the Interior – Tasked with updating procedures and taking all appropriate actions to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, including providing subsequent guidance to ensure that all federal references are updated accordingly.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directs a Cabinet official with broad regulatory and administrative responsibilities.)