Randy Woodson, North Carolina State University

At NC State, across the UNC System and throughout the United States, our international students, faculty and staff are critically important and extremely valuable members of our higher education communities. Our universities are daily enriched and strengthened by the talent, insight and culture that international students, faculty and staff bring to our campuses.

To all of our international students, especially those from the countries identified in the Executive Order, please know you are a welcome and valued part of the NC State Community. We encourage you to purposefully and passionately continue pursuing your educational dreams and contributing to the scholarship that embodies our think and do mantra. Also, please don’t hesitate to connect with advisors, counselors, professors or any of the many caring people at NC State who are here to provide support and help you be successful.

Susan Herbst, University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is a community of scholars that is home to students, faculty, and staff from across the nation and the globe. Our large and diverse population – including our international students – is one of our greatest strengths as a top research university. Our diversity is indeed central the rich nature of campus life and the excellent education we offer.

Matthew Wilson, University of Akron

The University of Akron is fully committed to supporting all members of its University family. Without hesitation, this commitment extends to all of our international students, scholars, researchers, and faculty, whose unique contributions enrich the UA experience for everyone, and who positively contribute to our society as a whole.

As we have unequivocally stated in the past, The University of Akron strongly values inclusion, diversity, mutual respect, equal opportunity, intellectual liberty, free speech, fearless inquiry, privacy, and safety. We will resolutely continue to uphold and promote these values across campus, and will work tirelessly to build bridges and promote values of inclusion within our society.

Philip Glotzbach, Skidmore College

We reaffirm Skidmore’s membership in the international community of scholars, educators, and students within colleges and universities across our nation and throughout the world. It is our priority to foster in our students, as fundamental aspects of their liberal education, both intercultural awareness and global understanding. We actively recruit students from across the world, and we actively encourage all of our students to study abroad. It is clear that educated persons today must understand the myriad ways the countries and peoples of the world are increasingly interconnected and share a basic humanity, interrelated interests, and ultimately a common fate.

In times of difficulty, the Skidmore community comes together to support one another and to reach out, especially, to members who are in distress. This is a moment when we need to show solidarity with all our international students, faculty members, and staff members – especially those from countries affected by these recent developments. Personal expressions of care and concern can go a long way to reassure people that they are valued and, above all, that they are not alone.

Peyton Helm, University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth

Now that our colleagues are safe, we want to be clear that we believe the executive order does nothing to make our country safer and represents a shameful ignorance of and indifference to the values that have traditionally made America a beacon of liberty and hope.  This executive order is, furthermore, shockingly oblivious to the fundamental tenets of intellectual and academic freedom, which are enriched – not endangered – by international collaboration.  As UMass President Marty Meehan said in a statement earlier today, “we are honored that …international students and scholars choose UMass.  They enrich our campuses and communities by providing a fullness of perspectives that helps fulfill our mission of research and public service….”

Terry King, Ball State University

It is important to restate that we are committed to our inclusive environment, and remain very supportive of all of our students, especially international students and faculty who might feel particularly vulnerable at this time. We will continue to closely follow developments and provide appropriate support and assistance.

 Marty Meehan, University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts, comprising 100,000 students, faculty and staff, is an international research university that extends the promise of American public higher education to thousands of international students and attracts faculty members from across the globe.

We are honored that these international students and scholars choose UMass. They enrich our campuses and communities by providing a fullness of perspectives that helps fulfill our mission of research and public service benefiting the Commonwealth.

We are deeply disheartened by this alarming action that has violated the rights of members of the UMass community and many others. This is not the country we promised to them when we invited them to study, teach and conduct research here.

Mark Heckler, Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University is constituted by people of different backgrounds and beliefs in dialogue with one another in the common pursuit of Truth. Those of us who have chosen to link our destinies with this place — whether faculty, students, alumni, staff, or friends — value, respect, invite, and welcome a wide array of opinions, beliefs, and cultural practices. This, we believe, is fundamental to our truth-seeking enterprise. Therefore, we are called to dialogue across our differences — even when those differences may be irreconcilable.

As an institution of faith and higher learning rooted in the Christian intellectual tradition, we take Jesus’ words from Matthew 25 to heart when he says, “I was a stranger and you invited me in … Truly I tell you, whatever you do for the least of these brothers and sisters, you do for me.” Similarly, the Quran encourages adherents of Islam to “do good — to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet).” — Q:4:36

Freeman Hrabowski, University of Maryland – Baltimore County

While this recent executive order particularly impacts community members from a select set of countries, we are deeply concerned that it will have a chilling effect on higher education and research broadly. It challenges UMBC’s culture of inclusive excellence, and we will work closely with campus shared governance groups to advocate for our central values in the weeks and months ahead.

John Sygielski, Harrisburg Area Community College

As HACC’s president, I feel compelled to, once again, affirm our support to every member of our College community. Our collective commitment to the success of each of our students is more critical today than it has ever been. Providing an environment that is characterized by integrity, collegiality, excellence and trust will remain the bedrock of our institution.

Over the past few days, there have been executive orders issued that suspend admissions into the United States of refugees, immigrants and citizens of seven majority-Muslim nations. The uncertainty of what will come of these executive actions has the potential to create an environment of hostility, negativity and fear.

Whether you were born in the United States or you are one of HACC’s nearly 300 international students who represent more than 60 countries, the central mission of the College – to create opportunities and transform lives to shape the future together – applies to each of you equally. You are right where you belong – at HACC.

Bernadette Gray-Little, University of Kansas

As a flagship research university, KU is committed to the open exchange of students, scholars and ideas from across the world. Moreover, we are deeply concerned about the well-being of KU students, faculty and staff who may be affected by the new federal restrictions on immigration. For these reasons, we will work with our colleagues throughout higher education to raise these concerns to policymakers.

This state and nation were settled by immigrants, and immigrants continue to make immeasurable contributions to our society. Moreover, I want to reiterate that accessibility, diversity of thought, and the free and open exchange of ideas remain core values of the University of Kansas. That will never change, and we will continue our work to advance these values. And we will continue to let scholars around the world know this: No matter your country of origin, the color of your skin, your religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or political leaning – you belong at the University of Kansas, and we value the contributions you make to our community.

Adam Falk, Williams College

The president’s order is inconsistent with Williams’ essential values. It conflicts with our non-discrimination policy, which forbids discrimination on the basis of national origin, religion, and other identity attributes. On Saturday night a federal judge issued a stay on deportations under the order, and a number of organizations and individuals have announced plans to challenge the order’s constitutionality in the courts.

This is a distressing time, but Williams prepares us for moments when moral courage is required. We can—and must—show the world we’re capable of something greater and nobler than fear.

Pat McGuire, Trinity Washington University

What the president of the United States is doing is an offense against our moral values, against any reasonable idea of social justice, and lawyers and judges will most likely prove these actions to be illegal and unconstitutional as well.  Pope Francis, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, numerous individual bishops and religious leaders of all faiths have condemned the president’s orders that ban and threaten to deport refugees and immigrants from certain countries.  Courageous judges have issued stays and temporary injunctions against the executive order on immigration, but sadly, many people already en route are trapped in a grotesque Kafkaesque nightmare of airport detention, interrogation, deprivation of basic human needs like restrooms and water, and shameful treatment by our own federal agents.  Any notion that this executive order will make our nation safer is preposterous; in fact, this action inflames all those already disposed to hatred, and encourages previously neutral citizens of the world to move against the United States.

For 120 years, Trinity has proclaimed a mission rooted in the Catholic faith teachings on Gospel social justice.  These teachings demand respect for human life and dignity, solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need, responsible participation in civic life, and service to the most vulnerable in our society who are impoverished and oppressed.  Social justice demands that we not remain silent in the face of immoral political actions.  The Sisters of Notre Dame who founded Trinity and who still impart their moral influence to us would expect no less than our vigorous defense of social justice principles in the current time.

Ann Weaver Hart, University of Arizona

The University of Arizona community has serious concerns about provisions of the January 27, 2017 Executive Order suspending nonimmigrant and immigrant visas from specific countries and suspending the United States’ refugee program.

We have also heard from University of Arizona students who are afraid to travel abroad, despite the legality of their visas, and we are deeply concerned for the wellbeing and treatment of our foreign students, scholars, researchers, and professors. This approach violates the principles on which international university communities of thought, learning, and research are based and will jeopardize the very mission and purpose of the university.

Ken Gormley, Duquesne University

As a university founded by priests from distant countries, dedicated to educating immigrant Pittsburgh steel mill workers and their families, Duquesne has always embraced diversity and has valued the significant contributions immigrants have made to our society. Indeed, our campus community has consistently been enriched by students, faculty and community members from foreign nations. Their achievements in research, medicine, technology, law and education not only have benefitted Duquesne University since its founding, but they have also strengthened the region, the nation and the world.

Along with others across the country in the academic and higher education communities, and those committed to advancing social justice world-wide, we express deep concern regarding this executive order. As a Catholic, Spiritan institution with a long history of supporting the needs of the underserved including refugees and immigrants – not just in Pittsburgh but within our global community – we support a reasonable approach to immigration that is not based upon fear or hate, does not discriminate and does not cause harm to individuals, families or employers.

John Bravman, Bucknell University

Since admitting our first international student in 1858 – 19-year-old Maung Shaw Loo of Burma, now known as Myanmar –  we have benefited from and greatly valued the unique perspectives and experiences that our international students and employees bring to campus. Bucknell will continue to extend its full support to its international students and colleagues, and I will stand with other leaders across higher education who seek to oppose this EO’s overreaching measures which are antithetical to our community’s values and, more broadly, our mission as an institution of higher learning.

The application of such limitations to members of our own community – and of communities across the country – is deeply distressing. We will stand united against acts that impede our commitment to inclusivity and, further, will push for decisions that reflect community and compassion.

Kerry Healey, Babson College

This serious challenge for some members of our community impacts us all in that it threatens the core values we cherish: integrity, innovation, collaboration, excellence, and in particular, diversity. These values are essential to making the Babson College experience a truly transformative one for all who study, teach or work here. I hope that, as we work to support and assist our community members whose lives have been upended by this new U.S. policy, we will reflect on our great blessings, core values, and the importance of academic freedom, and that these reflections will encourage us to model for our governments constructive cross-border collaboration to advance peace, prosperity and tolerance. Our commitment to global academic engagement and to empowering entrepreneurs everywhere to create positive social and economic change in their communities is unshakable and transcends borders and shifting political climates. And we will do everything in our power to ensure Babson College continues to bring together students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds – including those from the most politically and culturally polarized nations. Together, we will help build a better world for ourselves and for future generations.

Carol Quillen, Davidson College

Davidson College gains strength from our diversity, including diversity of faiths, backgrounds and nationalities. We value each member of our college family, we stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable among us, and we will do everything we can within the limits of the law to protect those who are or might be affected by this Executive Order. We do not share immigration status without a subpoena, warrant or court order.

My friend and former classmate David Brooks wrote in a recent column, “We have a word for people who are dominated by fear. We call them cowards.” At Davidson, we gain unshakable courage from the foundational imperatives of the college’s faith heritage, from the power of our primary purpose, and from our shared culture of integrity, respect and compassion. Our loyalty extends to the whole of humanity, we recognize the dignity and worth of each person and we dedicate ourselves to the quest for truth. I am grateful beyond measure to each of you for sustaining and nurturing this special place as we work together for a more just, more humane world.

Mark Keenum, Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is Mississippi’s leading research university. MSU’s research prowess has attracted a significant number of international students enrolled in both graduate and undergraduate studies – representing 88 countries. The quality of our research has also attracted leading faculty members and researchers from across the global community of scholars.

MSU’s international and multicultural students, faculty, and researchers represent a very significant positive economic impact on the state. More than that, their presence at MSU enhances every aspect of the university community. We value and appreciate all members of the MSU community.

As I have stated on numerous occasions, MSU’s core values of diversity, inclusion, tolerance, and safety for all – regardless their country of origin – do not waver or change.

Stuart Bell, University of Alabama

Our state and our nation have benefited immensely from the global intellect and engagement offered through our institutions of higher education. Our international faculty, students and researchers provide quantifiable value to all of us through their respective fields, impacting our lives in countless ways – from health care and technology invention, to culture and the arts, and to our economy.

The University of Alabama reaffirms that we welcome and value our community from across the globe. We are offering support to our international faculty, students and researchers for their continued success and well-being in light of the recent Executive Order.

Lesley Hallick, Pacific University

In alignment with our university mission to inspire our students to think, care, create and pursue justice in our world, the university administration remains especially committed to those who feel vulnerable, underrepresented and underserved. Pacific University supports students, staff and faculty regardless of immigration status. As we move forward during these uncertain times, please know that the administration stands behind those of you directly impacted by this, as well as anyone else who may feel vulnerable or compromised. Every person’s heritage and personal attributes are critical to shaping the university’s culture.

John Garvey, Catholic University of America

We can say with certainty that we will operate the University by welcoming all people “in search of the security and the means of livelihood which they cannot find in their country of origin” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2241).

We hope the newly elected administration will find a way to promote the common good of our citizens, including our national security, without departing from our nation’s great tradition of welcoming persons of good will who seek to make a better life here.

Greg Gunderson, Park University

At Park University, we are fortunate to be able to welcome students from all over the world. We value the diversity that international students bring to our classrooms, to our everyday discussions and to our day-to-day living. We know that our educational experiences are enriched when they are infused with the perspectives of people who have experienced life in other parts of the world. We treasure the global network of friendships that begin at Park University, not only on a personal level, but within the broader context that progress toward peace is made when we feel connected to one another as human beings. Park University’s 141-year commitment to put students’ needs first remains firm.

James Milliken, City University of New York

While I understand it is the responsibility of the administration to keep our country safe, I believe that this Executive Order is inconsistent with the values of openness and inclusiveness that have made CUNY—and our country—great. Those of us who disagree with this policy should urge our elected leaders to change it. In the meantime, we will hold to the values that have been a source of strength at CUNY for 170 years, and we will offer legal assistance to affected members of the CUNY community who need it, through CUNY Citizenship Now, CUNY CLEAR, and other means.

There are few institutions that have done more to help this country benefit from immigration than The City University of New York. Today, almost 40 percent of our undergraduates were born in another country, and we are all the beneficiaries of their talent and ambition.

David Finegold, Chatham University

Our country was founded as a nation of immigrants, and embracing global education and “respect for diversity of culture” is a core part of Chatham’s mission.  I join with the many other leaders of higher education, business and technology companies, and religious denominations who have questioned this decision and signal our support for the value that international students, faculty, and visitors have brought to our communities. We share the desire for our country to develop an immigration policy that balances protecting national security while avoiding discrimination against individuals and harming our nation’s industries, including higher education.

MaryAnn Baenninger, Drew University

I state here in the strongest words possible that Drew University does not and will not ever discriminate against someone because of her or his religion, race, country of national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.  In fact, the categorical reverse is true—this community is enriched and made whole by its diversity.  This is a community of love, safety, and support.  As its leader, I will do everything within my abilities to ensure that this remains true, even in the face of challenges like the ones presented in the executive order.

As a community of learners, Drew University is very attentive to the deep concerns and fears of its members and is firmly committed to the safety and protection of all of our community members, including non-U.S. citizens who hold green cards or appropriate visas for their current status as students, faculty, and staff.  Our intent is to ensure that students’ opportunity to learn, and faculty and staff members’ pursuit of their work and scholarship in the United States and affected countries remains uninterrupted.

Jack Hawkins, Troy University

In light of recent actions regarding entry into the United States, we want to reaffirm Troy University’s commitment to the international community.

As Alabama’s International University, we are committed to learn together as a university community, to grow in understanding, and to build opportunities for all of our students. We uphold a thousand-year tradition of universities where students travel to other lands seeking high-quality education. If you understand people unlike yourself – people from other cultures, speaking different languages – then you can develop an appreciation for those people on a personal level. At that point, true and lasting relationships can develop.

Tony Monaco, Tufts University

We are deeply concerned about the impact of this Executive Order. We take great pride in the global nature of our community and have always embraced and valued our international members from around the world. They are our colleagues and friends. Our community and the world are better places because of what we learn and create together. Let me assure you that will not change. We remain committed to protecting the international members of our Tufts community, regardless of national origin, religion or citizenship status. Treating all members of our community with respect is a fundamental principle of our university. Now more than ever we must adhere to that core value.

Richard Joel, Yeshiva University

There is continuing turmoil regarding US immigration policy. Yeshiva University is unwavering in its support of religious rights and societal values. Ensuring spiritual and personal freedoms are fundamental to the country, our community and our university.

Elizabeth Davis, Furman University

I cannot emphasize strongly enough that the university fully supports our Muslim students and colleagues as well as all of the international members of our community. The quality of a Furman education is determined in part by the richness and diversity of the experiences and perspectives that are represented in the conversations that we have with one another. We will continue to celebrate and develop the talents and passions of our students, faculty, and staff members of all backgrounds, beliefs, countries of origin, religions, and identities.

James Smith, Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University is unwavering in our commitment to the safety and success of our international community. I would like to assure our international students and scholars that we will continue to review the impact of the executive order in the days ahead and will provide additional information and support as necessary.

The University will continue to support international students without regard to their immigration status. That status is among the areas protected under the University’s privacy policies, which follow all federal and state laws. The University does not provide information on a student’s immigration status to anyone, except when required by law.

James Danko, Butler University

In the wake of the executive order on immigration signed on January 27, I want to reaffirm Butler University’s role as an institution where all people are welcomed and valued—regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or political beliefs.

The immigration ban, and the manner in which it has been implemented, is contrary to the principles of Butler University and detrimental to our educational mission. I join the many other leaders and citizens across Indiana, the United States, and the world in condemning this executive order and asking that it be revoked.

Stephen Sundborg, Seattle University

As a Jesuit Catholic institution, Seattle University is deeply committed to the dignity and equality of every individual, to the common good and to developing leaders for a just and humane world. We are a welcoming and inclusive community that is steadfast in our commitment to provide a safe learning environment and support every student in our campus community—regardless of background, religion, beliefs, identity, country of origin or immigration status. We find enrichment and strength in our diversity.

Richard Benson, University of Texas – Dallas

From its founding, UT Dallas has benefited from the advantages of a diverse community. This University stands firmly committed to the educational growth that comes from cultural exchange that takes place when we interact with scholars from around the world.

Angel Cabrera, George Mason University

I am deeply concerned about this decision. This is not only unbefitting a country built by immigrants on the ideals of liberty and equality, but it is also a self-inflicted wound that will damage the very innovation that lies at the root of our nation’s prosperity.

At George Mason, hundreds of faculty, staff and students were born outside of the United States, including our Provost, our Vice President of Research, our Dean of Science, some of our most distinguished professors, and yours truly. Many of the most talented leaders, academics, humanitarians, and entrepreneurs to come out of Mason are immigrants.

Nathan Hatch, Wake Forest University

I deeply empathize with all of you concerned for your personal safety and the security of your family. I reaffirm my commitment to do everything within my power as the president of Wake Forest University to support every member of our community in their pursuit of an education.

We now have an opportunity to reaffirm our values. Wake Forest stands for the respect and dignity of all people, for the diversity that enriches a community of learning and for the spirit of inclusion that makes a community feel like home. Wake Forest stands for creating opportunity for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.

George Ross, Central Michigan University

The Central Michigan University family includes students, faculty, staff and alumni from around the world with wonderfully diverse backgrounds and identities. These differences, including in perspective and knowledge, help make our university great and enrich our academic contributions, research and service to others.

We work diligently to foster a diverse and inclusive community where individuals of many races, genders, religions and other identities feel safe and valued. Our commitment can be seen in our recruitment from countries around the world, including the seven named in Friday evening’s executive order issued by the president of the United States.

Jay Gogue, Auburn University

Auburn is an international university. Students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds strengthen our campus, and we remain committed to fostering an environment that upholds our values of inclusion and diversity.

Jonathan Alger, James Madison University

James Madison’s work on the U.S. Constitution was based largely on his conviction that our republican democracy would survive only if a wide variety of differing ideas counterbalanced one another.  Madison’s namesake university celebrates his legacy every day by cultivating a welcoming environment in which international students and faculty contribute vitally to our community.  Diversity of thought, opinion, experience and culture adds tremendous value to the university because our differences enlighten us and bind us together.  Regardless of one’s country of origin, all are welcome at James Madison University.

We are a stronger and better university because of our global outreach and our commitment to access, inclusion and diversity. This commitment serves as one of our core qualities at JMU.

Paul Brown, Monmouth University

We also remain committed to ensuring that our campus continues to be a safe and welcoming place for students from all nations, for international service, and continued collaboration across borders. We have and continue to benefit from the contributions of current and former students, and permanent and visiting faculty, from the currently affected countries whose populations comprise more than 130 million people.

A cornerstone of our strategic plan is to foster opportunities for global and cultural literacy through our curriculum and programming.  An important part of that commitment is embracing the diversity of cultures, languages, ethnicities, and faiths that form the Monmouth University community of students, scholars, and staff.

Nasser Payday, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

At IUPUI, we remain unwavering in our commitment to ensuring a welcoming, safe, civil, and inclusive community for all of our students, faculty, and staff. We recognize the absolute necessity of a diverse and inclusive community to an excellent education and welcome all IUPUI students, regardless of their background or country of origin.

At IUPUI and at colleges and universities around the world, education and research are immeasurably enriched by the presence and contributions of a wide variety of perspectives and voices, including international students, scholars, and faculty. We welcome and support them without regard to their immigration status and are committed to fostering an environment where they can succeed. We will continue and intensify the university’s long-standing advocacy for expanded access to higher education for all IUPUI students living in the United States and around the world.

Hank Bounds and the NU chancellors, University of Nebraska

We are unanimous in our view that this executive order is disturbing and disruptive to our students and employees. It does not represent the values of the University of Nebraska. And we join leaders of universities around the country in urging that it be promptly reconsidered.

John Bardo, Wichita State University

The United States, the state of Kansas and Wichita State University are all stronger because of those who have come from throughout the world to study, teach and work. We embrace the diversity that international students, faculty and staff bring to learning, innovation and entrepreneurship on our campus.

Intelligence, talent, work ethic and achievement recognize no borders. We want to be clear that international students are welcome at Wichita State and we’re communicating our concerns to federal policymakers.

Conrado Gempesaw, St. Johns University

As a Catholic and Vincentian University with a 147-year history, St. John’s has—and will always be—a place that welcomes immigrants and the children of immigrants. This year, the Congregation of the Mission fittingly celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Vincentian Charism as the year of Welcoming the Stranger. At St. John’s University, we support all members of the University community, regardless of their country of origin or their chosen faith. We are committed to continuing this tradition.

James Johnsen, University of Alaska

I want to repeat that the University of Alaska is committed to ensuring that all students, staff, faculty, and their families can focus on what brought them here in the first place, the pursuit of scholarship in an environment that supports them regardless of their race, ethnicity, or national origin.

Thane McCulloh, Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University has long welcomed students, faculty and staff members from around the world without regard to ethnicity, race, or faith, seeking to create a community of people that not only celebrates diversity but works to authentically support individuals from every and any corner of the planet. This includes students, staff and faculty from nations in crisis.

Gonzaga University will support those among us who are vulnerable and who are experiencing fear and tremendous anxiety during this time: our Muslim students, immigrant families from Middle Eastern nations, and our undocumented DACA students among them. Our colleagues in departments such as the Center for Global Engagement and Student Development are working actively to support these students, but I ask each of you to actively work to create a campus climate that is welcoming and supportive of every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, faith, national origin, sex, gender identity, or other means of classification or categorization. In so doing, we commit to operate not out of a place of fear, but from a place of hope and strength. And in so doing, we live out the meaning of Jesus’ second great commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31).

Joseph Savoie, University of Louisiana – Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has historically benefited from the scientific, cultural and economic contributions of international students and scholars and values all students, faculty members and researchers, regardless of their country of origin.

The University remains firmly committed to supporting all of our international students, faculty and their families.

Mark Becker, Georgia State University

America’s higher education system has long been recognized as the best in the world, and our colleges and universities have attracted outstanding students and scholars from around the world. Georgia State alone draws students from more than 160 nations, and an ambitious global agenda is one of the five major goals in our strategic plan.

I want to assure each of you that we place great value on the many international students and scholars who make Georgia State a vibrant and thriving university. We are proud of the important contributions that international scholars and students have made to Georgia State, and we look forward to their continued contributions.

Amy Gutmann, University of Pennsylvania

Immigration strengthens the fabric of this nation and our University. Immigrants spark innovation, launch new businesses, and enrich our culture and arts. They are a precious national resource and invaluable to Penn.

We must stand together, united in our support of beloved colleagues, students, friends, and families who, no matter where they come from or how they worship, have contributed so much to our University community and to this country.

We are heirs to Penn’s heritage as the nation’s first secular university, where all religions are welcome. We are heirs to the genius and humanity of Ben Franklin.

As such, we must not and will not remain silent.

Michael Drake, Ohio State University

Ohio State remains engaged on this important issue with elected officials and national higher education organizations. While we acknowledge the importance of appropriate visa standards, we are very concerned about the broad implications of this new executive order.

Finally, I want to affirm the university’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion and the value that members of the international community continue to bring to our pursuit and sharing of knowledge. We will honor our obligation to create an environment that inspires discovery and knowledge, values and celebrates diverse opinions and is welcoming to all — now and for generations to follow.

Kirk Schultz, Washington State University

Washington State University shares the deep concerns expressed nationwide about the executive order that restricts the ability of individuals from certain countries from being able to enter or return to the United States.

Let us be absolutely clear: We welcome and support all members of the Washington State community—regardless of the country they call home. We remain unflinchingly committed to respecting the dignity of each individual—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, gender identity or expression, religion, or sexual orientation. We will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive community, embrace civil discourse, and strive to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all.

William McRaven, University of Texas System

I would hope that my commitment to our nation’s security cannot be questioned. I stand behind our nation’s efforts to ensure all our citizens are free from the threat that terrorism can bring to our shores.

But, I also stand behind the core values we hold as a nation. We ask that our leaders in Washington, D.C., move quickly to clarify the intent of this order, bring reasonable and expeditious process to its implementation, and send the message to the rest of the world that the United States remains open and welcoming to those who want to come here to learn, work and to live the American experience.

Timothy White and CSU presidents, California State University

We are deeply troubled by President Trump’s recent executive order that stands in stark contrast to the fundamental tenets of the California State University. We believe in the free exchange of ideas globally, central to which is our ability to welcome and interact with those from around the world.  ​

When something threatens our ability to think beyond our borders and learn from the world as a whole, we will oppose it. When something impacts anyone in our CSU community – especially the most vulnerable – it impacts us all.  ​

Therefore, we oppose the divisiveness of the recent executive order, and we stand with state and national officials in requesting that the President reconsider this policy.

Joseph Steinmetz, University of Arkansas

Over the weekend, we heard from many who are concerned – as well as those who have been directly impacted by the order. The international students and scholars who choose Arkansas as their academic home away from home are a valuable part of our community. These individuals make important contributions to our campus, and impacts to this population most certainly have ripple effects on the rest of campus. We share these concerns and while there are still many questions that we cannot answer, we are focused on supporting all of our students and finding a way forward.

Gary Ransdell, Western Kentucky University

First and foremost, I want to send the message to our international students and faculty that you are an important member of the WKU family, and you are safe and welcome here.

Internationalization remains a high priority at WKU, and the University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all people, regardless of nationality.

Daniel Mahony, Winthrop University

This moment demands we re-affirm our commitment to our entire Winthrop Family. Nowhere is that commitment better expressed than through our Global Learning Initiative which seeks to prepare our students to be educated and involved global citizens, to understand their place in global society and their responsibilities to human society at large, and to take great joy at celebrating the very rich cultures of their communities, states, regions, nations, and world.

Scott Dalrymple, Columbia College

This is a fluid situation, but I want to be clear that Columbia College welcomes all of our international students regardless of their nationality or religious background. We are a diverse and inclusive college community spanning the entire country with students from around the globe, and it is important that all members of our community know they are valued. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is carefully monitoring this situation, with our students and the larger college community in mind.

Tom Mengler, St. Mary’s University

At the annual meeting of the American Catholic Colleges and Universities, St. Mary’s reaffirmed its solidarity with brothers and sisters across the country in unabashed support and love for those seeking community, safety, healing and refuge in America. During a time of uncertainty for many – especially after the ban of refugees entering the U.S. from seven majority-Muslim countries – it’s important that we stand with those who have been adversely affected.

All are welcome at St. Mary’s, regardless of faith, national origin, immigration status, race or ethnicity. As a community, we stand for the oppressed, the sojourner, the poor and the victims of injustice. Driven by these commitments, St. Mary’s will remain steadfastly committed to being a diverse and inclusive community.