Seton Hall President: Trump Ban May ‘Adversely Affect’ Campus Community

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Seton Hall University President Gabriel Esteban 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, Seton Hall’s president released a statement about the ban.

The text of the statement follows.

“This past Friday, Jan. 27, an Executive Order 'Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Entry into the United States' was released by the White House. We are aware that some members of our University Community may be adversely affected. They should contact the Office of International Programs and the Office of the Provost for further direction. Our offices of Counseling Services and Campus Ministry are also available for support.

“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. Seton Hall University has historically welcomed and valued the intellectual diversity and vitality brought by our students and scholars from across the globe. We remain steadfast in our commitment to create an inclusive and welcoming campus environment that embraces people of all faiths and cultures. We will continue our mission of developing collaborative and ethical servant leaders for a global society.

“We express our willingness, through our schools and colleges, to provide thought leadership on these issues. During these uncertain times, let us pray for perseverance and let us be guided by the words of our patroness St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who said, 'Perseverance is a great grace. To go on gaining and advancing every day, we must be resolute, and bear and suffer as our blessed forerunners did. Which of them gained heaven without a struggle?' Hazard zet Forward.”

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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