In a statement released Monday evening, UNF President John Delaney took a moment to “affirm our unwavering support for students, faculty and staff from other countries and of all faiths.”
President Donald Trump issued an executive order barring citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days, and barring all refugees from entering for 120 days. The ban, issued late Friday, sent shockwaves across the globe as legal U.S. residents visiting other countries weren’t allowed to return home or were subject to more intense scrutiny; some people were detained at U.S. airports and hundreds gathered to protest; and some people in transit to the U.S., like this family of Syrian refugees, were sent back where they came from mid-journey.
Delaney’s message referenced similar headlines, and stated the UNF community reflects the diverse representation religious faiths and nationalities.
“We embrace all members of our campus community and strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people from around the globe,” Delaney said. “UNF is a better place because of international and religious diversity.”
Delaney went on to say university officials were aware such an order may come, and campus deans were alerted a month ago to ensure no one from UNF would be stranded elsewhere.
Delaney encouraged those planning to travel outside the U.S. to first contact Director of International Affairs Tim Robinson, at trobinso@unf.edu, for the latest information on international travel restrictions. Delaney also welcome those with personal concerns to reach out to him or any UNF vice presidents.
“I strongly believe education is not harnessed by borders but is enhanced by the open exchange of students, scholars and ideas from all over the globe,” Delaney emphasized, noting that people are likely to change their travel plans for fear of being stranded.
Delaney also stated there may be “fluidity” in the executive order, considering action from several judges over the weekend.
Confusion over the executive order and its exact parameters set in motion a series of lawsuits, resulting in several temporary rulings from judges around the country that state officials cannot remove immigrants from the seven countries affected who were in the U.S. before Trump’s order. Representatives in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are expected to introduce legislation overturning the order completely.
Delaney ended by stating he “fully expects the political processes of checks and balances to work and to find a constitutional balance.”
Spinnaker will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
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