For hundreds students at the University of San Francisco, School of Nursing and Health Professions, Dr. Ann Lawani is more than just a mentor; she's a beacon of inspiration, a pillar of strength, and a lifeline for her students. As an immigrant and dedicated nursing educator, she has spent years nurturing future nursing professionals, imparting wisdom, and providing the guidance needed to navigate the demanding world of nursing. In addition to serving as a nursing educator, she also provides compassionate and expert care to older adults experiencing acute and chronic illness, including those needing palliative and hospice care. Simply put, Dr. Lawani lives the mission of our Jesuit Catholic institution in supporting the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, her invaluable contribution to our community is now under threat. Since September 16, 2026, Dr. Lawani has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Dr. Lawani has been detained under circumstances that many of us find unfathomable, particularly given her long-standing residency and commitment to serving our community, both as a nursing educator and practicing nurse. Her absence from the university and her nursing position is not just a loss to the academic and health care institutions but to every student and patient whose lives she has touched or will touch. Those who've had the privilege of attending her classes or consulting her for advice understand the void her absence has created – an interruption not only to their education but also to their personal growth and career trajectories. Those who have received her care have been deprived of a caregiver who exhibits  exceptional clinical skill with profound empathy and honors the humanity of every patient she encounters.

It's critical for us to recognize the devastating impact her detention not only has on her family and career but also on the educational institution and its students she vigorously supports. Dr. Lawani is a constructive force within our community; addressing her situation is not just about justice for her, but about ensuring our education and health care environments remain as supportive and inclusive as possible.

The ongoing shortage of nursing faculty and practicing nurses poses a critical risk to our healthcare infrastructure, where retaining dual-role professionals like Dr. Lawani is essential to maintaining patient care standards and training the next generation of healthcare workers. The detention of such individuals directly exacerbates these severe workforce deficits while sending a chilling message about how we value the indispensable work they perform on behalf of our society. 

We are calling upon U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  to release and immediately halt the detention of Dr. Lawani. Her dedication, integrity, and service deserve recognition and protection, not punishment. We seek her immediate release on bond and demand a thorough review of the case against Dr. Lawani, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed in accordance with national and international standards. We also demand assurance of Dr. Lawani’s safety, well-being, and access to legal counsel and family during this period.

We urge you to stand with us, with her students, with her colleagues, with her patients,  and with all those who believe in maintaining the presence and safety of nurses and nurse educators within our community. Please sign this petition to demand justice and freedom for Dr. Ann Lawani, and let the authorities know that our communities thrive when their members are honored, not detained.