MSU President: Students Welcome ‘Regardless Of Immigration Status’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair State University President Susan Cole has joined a growing chorus of North Jersey 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 Tuesday, Montclair State University’s president released a statement about the ban.

The text of the statement follows.

“As you are aware, on January 27, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order that bars immigrants, non-immigrants and refugees from seven countries – Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen – from entering the United States. The legality of this Order is being challenged in various courts around the country, and, over the weekend, significant numbers of American citizens and residents joined together to protest the President’s actions.

“The Executive Order has raised concerns throughout the higher education community in the nation, and, indeed, the world. At Montclair State University, there is no ambiguity in regard to our mission to provide the highest quality education possible to a diverse population of students who have demonstrated a desire to learn and demonstrated the ability to benefit by the opportunity of a higher education. Once here, all of our students are entitled to, and receive, the full support of the University in achieving their educational goals, a mission that is sustained by a highly qualified faculty and staff, many of whom have come to the University from other parts of the world.

“Montclair State welcomes qualified students, regardless of immigration status, and, except in circumstances mandated by federal law, the University 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. Further, Montclair State University maintains a strong commitment to, and vigorously complies with, federal privacy requirements for student records.

“As I said in a recent article in New Jersey Monthly, "any university worth the name doesn’t exist as an isolated institution. A university is a member of an international scholarly community. In the most difficult and worst of times, universities have been a vital connection between and among peoples and nations." In that regard, Montclair State University has hosted scholars and artists sponsored by the Scholar Rescue Fund and the Artist Protection Fund of the Institute for International Education, rescuing those international colleagues from personal threats in their home countries. We will continue that work and continue to foster a campus that is open and welcoming and that does not categorize individuals by characteristics, such as race, nationality, or religion.

“In order to ensure that all members of the community have access to the support they need during this uncertain time, a new University web page will provide updated information and advice to students and employees on immigration-related concerns, and the University’s Global Education Center will serve as the primary contact point for any members of the University community requiring information or assistance.

“Appropriate University officers have been monitoring, and will continue to closely monitor, developments in this area and to maintain contact with members of the University community who may be affected by the Executive Order or future related events. If anyone has any individual questions or concerns, I encourage you to be in touch with the Global Education Center, and please review the immigration link.”

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

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com