Dear Members of the Kent State University Community:
Late Friday, President Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States" that restricts individuals from seven countries from entering the United States. The order, which suspends visas for nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, has the potential to have a powerfully negative impact on our global community and our climate of inclusion and care. I am deeply troubled by this situation and offer the following information and guidance to assist our community.
- The faculty and staff of Kent State University affirm our longstanding commitment to be a welcoming, inclusive environment where all feel at home. That commitment does not change as political or social movements change. Our values define who we are and what we stand for in a community that aspires to advance the creativity and belief in the invaluable benefits of an increasingly global society.
- The Office of Global Education, Office of the Provost, Division of Student Affairs and many others throughout our university have been working to understand the implications of the executive order and reach out to those who we know are directly affected. We will continue to keep a close watch on the overall situation and develop the best options to support our diverse, global family.
- We strongly encourage our international students and scholars to reconsider travel outside of the United States for the time being. Please contact the Office of Global Education by phone or email for the latest information and assistance related to international travel. Regardless of your visa or residency status, we will work closely with you and offer every support we have available at our university.
- Kent State University's rich history and our promising future are intertwined with our vision for deep and meaningful global engagement. Our value for diversity of culture, beliefs, identity and thought energizes our transformational mission. As we unite together to create an authentic, caring community where everyone feels safe and supported, I invite every member of our university family to consider ways you can personally offer support and encouragement to others who may be experiencing fear, anxiety, uncertainty or a sense of disenfranchisement.
- The Office of Global Education is planning a "support session" to take place later this week that will bring together immigration law and other experts to provide additional information, answer questions and afford an opportunity for us to gather in support of one another. We will provide details as soon as they are confirmed.
We join others in the worldwide higher education community who are deeply critical of this executive order and are calling for a sensible immigration policy that protects national security without discriminating against those who seek to live, learn, discover and make a positive impact in our world.
If you have questions or concerns related to this issue, please contact our Office of Global Education International Student and Scholar Services via email at isss@kent.edu or via phone at 330-672-7980.
In summary, we pledge to hold true to each of our core values and we will stand firm in our support of ALL members of this remarkable community.
With best regards,
Beverly Warren