Know Your Rights Trainings
Learn from the experts who have been running the only underground school for undocumented students in the world
Do you know how to protect your students and your community?
Freedom University offers two trainings: Educator Trainings and Know Your Rights Trainings.
Launched in 2020, our Educator Trainings have reached more than one thousand high school counselors and college admissions professionals in Georgia and throughout the United States. In these trainings, Freedom University experts, who bring in more than 30 years of collective experience working with undocumented students in higher education, share a 1) comprehensive history of undocumented student access to higher education in national and state levels, 2) best practices for working alongside and mentoring undocumented students from a community cultural wealth model, and 3) models and protocols that high schools and private universities can implement to best welcome, support, and protect undocumented students in their care.
Since 2016, Freedom University has delivered Know Your Rights trainings with undocumented students in our program. However, in response to community demand following the 2024 elections, we have developed trainings designed for undocumented students and allies at universities and community organizations.
The new administration has announced that it will now allow ICE raids in schools, hospitals, and places of worship - places that were once considered sensitive locations. While there is a wealth of information regarding Know Your Rights, having pamphlets are not always helpful in face-to-face interactions with ICE and police. Freedom University experts will help transform information overload into knowledge through dialogue with participants in your campus, work, or faith community. Our staff will review the constitutional rights that apply to all people, provide digital and printed resources, and share best practices to protect the safety of immigrants.
Our trainings are available online or in-person, in English or bilingual English/Spanish. These critical services are provided on a sliding scale, and all proceeds go toward Freedom University’s general fund.
Know Your Rights materials are available in 15 languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Haitian Kreyòl, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Bengali, Farsi, Arabic, Urdu, and Hindi. All are publicly available on our Instagram @fu_georgia.
Testimonials
“I had the opportunity to host Dr. Emiko Soltis and Gabriela Solis at Columbia Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA, for a Know Your Rights presentation. The event attracted a large, diverse audience composed of school administrators, faith communities, non-profit groups, and private individuals. It was, without a doubt, one of the most informative and engaging presentations I have ever attended on understanding our rights as U.S. citizens as well as the rights of immigrants living in this country.
The 90-minute event combined an historical overview of how some of the oppressive anti-immigration laws in our state and country came into being, along with point by point legal responses individuals, religious institutions, and schools can use if they are confronted by ICE. I recommend this training to anyone concerned about upholding the rights of "We The People" in the United States.”
Pastor Tom Hagood, Columbia Presbyterian Church
“As someone working with a diverse student population, I found the Know Your Rights training from Dr. Soltis at Freedom University to be an invaluable and timely resource for students, faculty, and administrators alike. The session provided a clear and practical understanding of immigrants' legal rights, empowering participants with practical tools to navigate both simple and complex situations with confidence and knowledge.
One of the most impactful aspects of the training was its focus on accessibility. Freedom University's materials are available in multiple languages (and, to my pleasant surprise, including my own native Haitian Kreyòl!) ensuring that vital information reaches diverse communities who may otherwise face linguistic barriers. This commitment to inclusivity reflects the very essence of equity work—meeting people where they are and providing the tools they need to advocate for themselves and others.”
Dr. Yves-Rose Porcena, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Agnes Scott College
“The Know Your Rights training was exceptional. Dr. Soltis, Executive Director of Freedom University, had lots of good information, and held my attention for the full hour she spoke! She tied issues of immigration in with our concerns for racial justice so smoothly.”
Mark, Oakhurst Baptist Church member and training participant
“Dr. Emiko Soltis is a lifelong educator and it shows. She teaches these Know Your Rights trainings not only to share vital information, but to ensure that we understand and are confident in our knowledge so that we can protect ourselves and our families as undocumented people. I imagined this training would be overwhelming, but Emiko and Gabriela (a former Freedom University student who now serves as the Student Coordinator) lead the training together in a way that centers the well-being of participants, often mixing in humor and call-and-response chants to help us feel empowered by our knowledge and sense of community. I especially appreciated when we practiced in small groups with Emiko and Gabriela, so we could learn to feel more comfortable asserting our rights in tense situations.”
José, Freedom University student
“The Know Your Rights Training provided by Freedom University is a must-have training for any community-oriented organization. Dr. Soltis was deeply engaging and the information was well-researched and tailored to our needs. The training was incredibly empowering for the whole staff and will be extremely useful in our organizing efforts.”
Dhyana Taylor, Fair Count