On Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders related to immigration, including one pertaining to refugee admission to the United States, as well as restricted entry for citizens of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The full scope and implementation of the new White House administration’s actions are still being assessed, but one thing is clear: this action directly counters Wittenberg’s mission and values, and it will not prevent us from affirming our collective support for our students, faculty and staff, and the dignity of all regardless of their immigration status and national origin.

We are a community committed to inclusive excellence and one that values the unique contributions of each individual. We believe that it is through our curriculum, study-abroad options, and enriching presence of international students that we engage the complexity of the human experience, learning about and from cultures around the world. We are committed to providing opportunities for students to interact with others of widely different backgrounds, seeking common solutions to problems facing our world.

While we cannot know exactly what the future holds, we do know that Wittenberg remains steadfast in its support for our Muslim students, those students here under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, and all students, faculty and staff and their families who may feel threatened by these new policies. We will work to protect the privacy of those potentially affected and seek the appropriate legal counsel as needed.

For now, please know that our Office of International Education and Office of Student Development will continue to monitor this situation and update my office and our campus community as warranted. Both offices also stand ready to provide support for those directly impacted by the new restrictions and changes to the visa-issuance process and entry procedures to the United States.

In keeping with our mission and values, I encourage each of us as members of our vibrant community of learners to continue to support one another with compassion and respect during these challenging times and always.