WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (STN2) — The University of Hartford celebrated Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month on Tuesday with a guest appearance from Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who joined four other panelists for a discussion on campus.
Tong spoke about his upbringing and family ties to the university. He shared that his uncle, Roger, studied at the University of Hartford.
“The University of Hartford gave him an opportunity to finish his studies,” Tong said. He added that he spent many nights on campus during his uncle’s time as a student. “I spent a number of nights here on this campus waiting for Uncle Roger to get out of class.”
Tong also revealed that his mother attended the university for three years.
“It was the University of Hartford that offered that to my immigrant family,” he said.
During the panel, student David Leal asked about a report from CT Insider, which stated that at least 53 people had their visas terminated at colleges and universities across Connecticut as part of a nationwide wave of visa revocations under the Trump administration.
In response, Tong said, “We are focused on it right now—today,” and emphasized the urgency of the matter. “Everyone’s trying to find a way to protect students.”
He also spoke about taking action beyond legal channels.
“I can sue, and we’ll find legal action, but we have to get out there and take our strength in numbers out onto the streets,” Tong said. “We have to get loud. Get angry.”
