Universities respond to Trump immigration, refugee ban
University presidents, faculty, and staff in Oregon have sent letters to campuses in response to President Donald Trump's executive order on immigrants and refugees signed last Friday.
Stephen Thorsett, president of Willamette University in Salem, sent the following letter to faculty and staff Sunday:
Dear Colleagues,
In the wake of this weekend's surprising and disturbing executive order from President Donald Trump barring entry to the United States for citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, a number of members of our community have raised both general concerns and specific questions about the safety and security of members of our community.
First, let me reaffirm that Willamette's policy on nondiscrimination protects all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status with regard to pregnancy, disability or age. This policy is an expression of deeply held values.
This weekend, we saw challenges to very long-standing American principles of nondiscrimination on the basis of religion and national origin. While multiple federal courts are now involved, and the long-term impact remains unclear, for now, many individuals and families, including those with visas and green cards as well as refugees, have seen their lives disrupted.
As the larger issues play out, I want to assure you that our current students from these countries are safe on campus, although in at least one case travel plans for study abroad have had to be canceled. If anyone is aware of any other students, faculty, or staff who are affected or who need support, please direct them to my office or that of Carol Long. The Chaplains can also always provide confidential support.
As many of you know, the legal clinic (at) the College of Law has added immigration expertise this semester. There and elsewhere we will continue to explore how the university can support those affected. Discussions are also underway (on) various forums about how the larger higher ed community can make our concerns known in ways that might have maximum impact. While my immediate focus is necessarily on our students and staff, I also encourage those concerned to reach out to families in need in your local communities.
Sincerely,
Steve
Chemeketa Community College President Julie Huckestein sent an email to staff Monday. Here is an excerpt from the email:
Chemeketa is committed to providing a safe environment for all students that is free from harassment and discrimination. As a community college it is important that we understand and respond to issues that impact both the communities in our district and a large number of our students. Our students' ability to learn and focus on their studies is affected whenever they experience periods of distress and uncertainty."
"Our college community has a responsibility to be supportive of our students who may be directly or indirectly impacted by President Trump’s recent actions with empathy, not from a political point of view but from a human point of view. We will continue to work with our students and communities in a supportive manner as we look ahead.
Rex Fuller, president of Western Oregon University, released the following statement:
Dear Campus Community:
President Trump issued an executive order on Friday, January 27, 2017, which includes a ban on entry into the United States by citizens of seven countries — Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen — for the next 90 days.
Western Oregon University has identified a few members of our campus community from the affected nations. Western staff members are working individually affected students to offer guidance and support. In order to safeguard privacy, we will make no statements about individuals. At this time, we are relieved to report that no members of our community are stranded outside the United States because of this executive order. We encourage any faculty or staff who may be impacted by the executive order to reach out to Human Resources.
As president of Western, I am deeply troubled by this executive order and we are actively engaged in efforts to more fully understand its implications. Western Oregon University’s mission is to create lasting opportunities for student success in a community that values diversity and inclusion.
I am grateful that last week our Board of Trustees approved our values statements, including:
Community: Trustworthy, caring, safe environment for the cultivation of peace, civility and social justice; connections extending beyond the classroom, across campus and into our local and global communities.
Diversity and Respect: Equity and inclusion; a fundamental basis in human diversity; appreciation for the complexity of the world; strength drawn from our variety of backgrounds, abilities, cultural experiences, identities, knowledge domains and means of expression.
These core values drive our actions and our words. Western is steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment that fosters student success and academic freedom. As a community of scholars we reaffirm our commitment to the free and open exchange of ideas. This effort is enhanced and enriched by working with scholars and colleagues from other nations.
When I walk through campus, I am continually reminded about what makes WOU special—the people. Now, more than ever, we must support each other and reaffirm our commitment to the principles of diversity, inclusion and community.
Sincerely,
Rex Fuller, President
Edward Ray, president of Oregon State University, also released a statement saying the executive orders are unfair and the university will remain a "sanctuary university."
About 11 percent of the Oregon State University student population is made up of international students from around the world, meaning nearly 3,300 students. Additionally, around 100 university employees work for the school with legal visas.
160 students are from the seven countries specified in the President's orders — Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya.
Steve Clark, vice president of university relations, said the university has advised all students and employees to seriously consider international travel of any kind at this time and to consult legal advisors as necessary.
Below is Ray's statement:
Dear members of the Oregon State University community,
I am angry and disappointed over the Presidential Executive Orders issued last week regarding US immigration policy changes and the ability to travel abroad. These orders lack detail, are being unevenly implemented, and have created anxiety, uncertainty and hardship among thoroughly vetted refugees, immigrants, those with green cards, and their families and friends.
Questions remain regarding the future treatment of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students and other undocumented students and families and the extent to which future federal policy changes will affect funding to public research institutions, like Oregon State University.
I am deeply saddened for everyone caught up in these circumstances and my heart goes out to those affected. At this time, each of us must reaffirm our compassion and commitment to one another as a community regardless of immigration status, background or identity and declare our enduring commitment to free and open inquiry, which are fundamental to our democracy.
Since 1868, Oregon State University has existed to provide educational opportunities and improve the lives of all people through our teaching, research, and outreach and engagement.
Going forward, our pledge of service to others will never change. This university will remain unwavering in its commitment to inclusive excellence, social justice, diversity of all kinds and the safety of all people. These commitments are the foundation upon which we build excellence in everything we do. As your university’s president, I assure you that Oregon State University is fully committed to support students’ pursuit of their education and faculty’s work in teaching and research.
University leaders – along with partners such as the Association of Public Land Grant Universities and others – are actively monitoring executive orders and federal announcements and seeking to interpret their implications.
We will share what we learn with the university community on an ongoing basis as quickly as possible, such as in recent communications to research and academic faculty and to international students and visiting faculty. We know, for example, that there are many students, faculty, and staff at the university from the seven countries named in the Presidential Executive Order on travel. Each of these students and employees is a valued member of our university community. To our knowledge, none of these individuals is presently engaged in international travel and we deeply regret the fear and anxiety they are experiencing.
I also am writing to assure you that OSU will remain a sanctuary university for its students.
OSU’s Sanctuary University status is not subject to recent presidential executive orders since the university complies with all federal laws. The United States Constitution provides for states' rights that effectively allow state entities such as OSU to decline to participate in an enforcement role in carrying out deportation actions. As a sanctuary university, OSU does not hinder or prevent the federal government’s deportation activities, but OSU has chosen not to participate in those actions nor will it provide information to the federal government to aid in those actions, unless required in specific instances by court order or an emergency health or safety situation. As well, the OSU Department of Public Safety will not voluntarily seek, collect or provide immigration status information to federal immigration enforcement officials.
OSU will remain in compliance with other federal laws associated with the business of the university, such as requirements related to international student visas, employee hiring, and student applications for federal financial aid.
Going forward, the university will continue to issue public statements on our policies, and the university – along with national educational associations – will advocate at the federal level for OSU’s interests on immigration policy and civil rights. This will include our steadfast support of the BRIDGE Act – Bar Removal of Individuals Who Dream of Growing Our Economy Act – a bipartisan Congressional bill that makes the DACA program a federal law.
We also will advocate at the federal level for transparency, timely access to information on administration policy actions, including immigration, civil rights, and research; and clarification on federal law and policy developments.
In the next few weeks, the university will announce and hold community education and information sessions on topics, such as:
- Know Your Rights – An educational session to inform community members on their civil liberties in the immigration arena and provide knowledge and resources regarding immigration issues.
- Understanding Executive Orders – A session on how Presidential Executive Orders work and interact with federal and state law.
- Immigration Basics, Updates and Planning – A session on topics including international travel, documentation, visa renewals and other areas affected by current and potential policy changes.
- Advising on DACA and More – A session on understanding and navigating current and potential federal policy changes affecting DACA recipients, undocumented students, and students with undocumented family members.
As you may know, as a university, OSU’s attorneys represent OSU and cannot provide legal advice to OSU students. However, free legal services are available to students through ASOSU legal services.
If you are in need of personal assistance, and are a Corvallis student, please visit the offices of Diversity and Cultural Engagement, Institutional Diversity or the Division of International Programs. The Student Affairs Student Resources website also provides detailed information about support services. OSU-Cascades, students should visit their campus’ student resources website for assistance.
Employees needing assistance may utilize the OSU Employee Assistance Program by confidentially calling 1-800-433-2320 at any time, or by calling the Human Resources Department at 541-737-3103.
In the coming days and weeks, we will provide updates through communications such as this and by updating the OSU Sanctuary University FAQ web page found on the website for the Office of Institutional Diversity. This website will include expanded links to other community resources, as well as updates.
As we go forward, we must remain strong and supportive of each other and our community. We remain guided by the values upon which this university was founded and under which we still operate today.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
According to recent enrollment data at the University of Oregon, 14 percent of the university's faculty are not U.S. citizens and 9 percent of the entire employee population are not U.S. citizens. The university only tracks citizenship for employees they directly sponsor for immigration status, according to university officials.
About 39 students are directly impacted by the ban. The university has advised them to avoid traveling outside the U.S., if possible.
The University of Oregon's President and Provost, Michael Schill and Scott Coltrane, respectively, released the following statement:
Dear University of Oregon community,
The United States has historically attracted and welcomed people from around the globe who helped build our nation, made scientific discoveries, contributed to the arts, fueled our economy, and created our diverse civic culture. Our nation’s first president, George Washington, observed that the “bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respected stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges . . .” Part of the University of Oregon’s mission, as a public institution, is to continue to support this tradition by bringing the best and the brightest here to be part of a rich and vibrant community of scholars.
Academic excellence and global engagement go hand in hand at the UO. By continuing our long history of welcoming eager, talented scholars from many countries, we draw global perspectives into our community and enrich the educational experience. By sending 25 percent of every graduating class to study abroad or participate in overseas internships, we widen our worldview, develop cross-cultural skills, and prepare students for a global economy.
We are troubled by the decision of the new US administration to begin a process of closing our borders by indefinitely banning refugees from Syria, placing a 120-day ban on refugees from all over the world, blocking new visas from seven predominantly Muslim countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) for 90 days, and signaling a religious test for admittance of new refugees. The UO is proudly committed to welcoming talented individuals from all countries to study, teach, and carry out research and scholarship on our campus. We stand with the Association of American Universities in supporting a visa system that “prevents entry by those who wish to harm us, while maintaining the inflow of talent that has contributed so much to our nation.”
Many in our community are worried that recent executive orders send the wrong message about our country. Many are concerned for our fellow students, faculty members, and staff members from the targeted countries. If you feel vulnerable and unwanted because of the US president’s actions, please know that you are welcome and appreciated at the UO. You are part of our community, and we stand with you in defense of our shared values of inclusion, equity, curiosity about the world, and global engagement as core to academic excellence.
Like other public research universities across the nation, the UO welcomes and supports students without regard for immigration status. We clearly stated this as our leadership signed onto a statement by our University Senate on November 16, 2016. The university is now in the process of creating an administrative position within the Division of Student Life that will be a point of contact and a resource for undocumented students and those covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
More recently, we have been working to make sure the most directly affected members of our community receive our full support:
- Last week we communicated directly with students, faculty and staff members from the seven countries targeted for a 90-day visa ban, recommending these students avoid travel outside the US, given the ban and ensuing uncertainty.
- We identified all of our students currently on UO study-abroad or overseas internships. While none are from the seven targeted countries, five are non-US citizens, and we are working to ensure their smooth return to campus at the end of their international academic programs.
- A few UO academic units are about to admit graduate students from the seven targeted countries. We also have undergraduate applicants and potential American English Institute applicants from these countries. We will work to maintain the academic integrity of the admissions process (seek and welcome the best candidates, with an eye toward equity and inclusion), while also acknowledging that the UO cannot control the issuance of US entry visas at embassies and consulates abroad. We will signal willingness to work with these newly admitted students and applicants, on a case-by-case basis, to explore every option available, as we gain more clarity on visa policies to follow the 90-day ban.
- We will hold a town hall on changing immigration rules at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, in the EMU Ballroom. Experts on international immigration will review the current state of affairs, answer questions, and reinforce the core message that this university cares deeply about international and undocumented students. The event is open to all.
We know many people may have questions and concerns. We will soon provide a list of frequently asked questions on UO policies and programs related to international students, faculty and staff members. In addition, the following individuals are available to answer questions:
- General questions about international policies and programs at the UO can be directed to Vice Provost Dennis Galvan in the Office of International Affairs, dgalvan@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5851
- International students and visiting scholars can contact Abe Schafermeyer, director of International Student and Scholar Services, abe@uoregon.edu or 541-346-1215
- International employees may contact international employment specialist Jennifer Doreen, jdoreen@uoregon.edu or 541-346-2638, or Bill Brady, assistant vice president for employee and labor relations, wbrady@uoregon.edu or 541-346-2305
As we have stated so often recently, the UO remains committed to fostering an academic environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all, and it bears repeating that this commitment includes our international students, faculty, and staff.
Sincerely,
Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of LawScott Coltrane
Provost and Senior Vice PresidentTranslations:
En Español
Chinese 亲爱的俄勒冈大学全体成员
Arabic - translation in process
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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