UT President Sharon L. Gaber affirmed support for the University’s international students, faculty and staff in a letter sent to campus Monday in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending the entry of individuals from certain countries into the United States for 90 days.
“The University of Toledo welcomes people of all racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, national and international backgrounds. Diversity is a core value of the University. We believe our diversity makes us stronger, and we work hard to create an environment of inclusion,” Gaber wrote. “It is the contributions of and collaboration with people from backgrounds different than our own that allow us to excel in education, research and economic development, and contribute to society.”
The email to campus follows up on the president’s initial statement on the issue from Sunday.
There are currently no students abroad impacted by the executive order, and University leadership is strongly encouraging those individuals from the countries affected to avoid all international travel for the immediate future. The president also noted that campus police have not inquired about immigration status in the past and have no plans to start doing so.
“Please know we are all here to help address any concerns, questions or worries you may have, and will work to connect you with local resources, including immigration attorneys, to address your specific situations,” Gaber wrote.
University leaders are monitoring potential changes to immigration laws, policies and practices, and will keep campus updated as more information becomes available.
Faculty, staff and students with questions are invited to contact Dr. Sammy Spann, assistant provost for international studies and programs, at 419.530.5268 or sammy.spann@utoledo.edu, or Dr. Kaye M. Patten, senior vice president for student affairs, at 419.530.2665 or kaye.pattenwallace@utoledo.edu, for assistance.
