Caldwell University Joins Other Catholic Schools, Opposes Trump Ban

CALDWELL, NJ — The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) – which includes Caldwell University as a member - has joined a growing chorus of North Jersey scholastic voices that oppose President Trump’s recent executive order to halt immigration from several countries in the name of stopping terrorism.

Trump’s executive order bans immigrants from several countries - Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen - from entering the United States for 90 days. The order, which also halted the U.S. refugee program for 120-days, is aimed at stopping “radical Islamic terrorists,” Trump has said.

Protests across the nation have been erupting in the wake of the order, with many activists decrying it as a violation of human rights.

• See related article: North Jersey Protests Trump’s Immigration Ban [VIDEOS, PHOTOS]

On Sunday, the ACCU released the following statement:

“As the voice of Catholic higher education, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities expresses its strong opposition to the Executive Order signed by President Donald J. Trump concerning U.S. immigration policy. We stand in solidarity with other Catholic and higher education organizations that recognize the moral obligation of our country to assist migrants, particularly those who are fleeing any kind of persecution.

In referring to the order’s halt of refugee admissions, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Texas, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, stated, ‘We believe that now more than ever, welcoming newcomers and refugees is an act of love and hope. We will work vigorously to ensure that refugees are humanely welcomed in collaboration with Catholic Charities, without sacrificing our security or our core values as Americans, and to ensure that families may be reunified with their loved ones.’

“Pope Francis has said that ‘authentic hospitality is our greatest security against hateful acts of terrorism.’ As ACCU gathers this weekend in Washington, DC to celebrate the value of diversity within Catholic higher education, we reaffirm the commitment of our institutions to creating inclusive, welcoming campus environments that embrace people of all faiths and cultures. Catholic higher education was founded precisely to serve the children of Catholic immigrants who in their own time were excluded from higher education. This is a legacy that we proudly pledge to continue.”

Other North Jersey university officials have also issued recent statements opposed to Trump’s immigration ban.

STEVENS INSTITUTE (HOBOKEN)

The president of Hoboken-based Stevens Institute of Technology said that the ban is causing “disruption and anxiety” on campus.

“This executive order presents challenges to values that are central to the academy and to Stevens’ education and research programs, which are built upon inclusiveness and nondiscrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin or any other illegal basis,” Nariman Farvardin said. “The implementation of this executive order could have a negative impact on the conduct of the core mission of Stevens and other universities throughout the U.S.”

• See related article: Stevens Institute President: Trump Ban Is Causing ‘Disruption and Anxiety’ On Campus

SETON HALL (SOUTH ORANGE)

Seton Hall University President Gabriel Esteban said the ban may “adversely affect” members of the campus community.

“America’s generosity in opening our borders to those who yearn for opportunities and freedom from persecution is a long-standing tradition that made the United States a world leader and a beacon of freedom,” Esteban said. “Seton Hall University has historically welcomed and valued the intellectual diversity and vitality brought by our students and scholars from across the globe.”

• See related article: Seton Hall President: Trump Ban May ‘Adversely Affect’ Campus Community

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY (MONTCLAIR)

Montclair State University President Susan Cole said that the college welcomes qualified students “regardless of immigration status,” and, except in circumstances mandated by federal law, the school does not inquire about or keep records of immigration status, nor does the University police department inquire about or record immigration status in the performance of its duties.

“The legality of this order is being challenged in various courts around the country,” Cole pointed out.

• See related article: MSU President: Students Welcome ‘Regardless Of Immigration Status’

CALDWELL UNIVERSITY (CALDWELL)

The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) – which includes Caldwell University as a member – released a statement in “strong opposition” to Trump’s order.

Administrators staid that the group “stands in solidarity with other Catholic and higher education organizations that recognize the moral obligation of our country to assist migrants, particularly those who are fleeing any kind of persecution.”

• See related article: Caldwell University Joins Other Catholic Schools, Opposes Trump Ban

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