Travel Restrictions Create Climate of Fear, Says OHSU President

Oregon's major universities are speaking out against President Trump's executive order limiting the ability of people from seven Muslim-majority countries to travel to the United States. The schools have all out out messages saying they are inclusive and questioning the wisdom of the order.

"Last week's executive order on immigration has created apprehension and uncertainty in the OHSU community and in the communities we serve," said Oregon Health Sciences University President Joe Robertson.

"I want to reiterate something I have said a number of times recently: all are welcome at OHSU. This is our stance, and we will not waver."

Robertson says that "restrictions and immigration are creating a climate of fear that is toxic even for those not directly impacted.

Down in Corvalis, Oregon State University President Ed Ray said that his school will remain a "sanctuary university."

Ray said that the order has "created anxiety, uncertainty and hardship among thoroughly vetted refugees, immigrants, those with green cards, and their families and friends."

He said that the university "will remain a sanctuary university for its students.

"As a sanctuary university, OSU does not hinder or prevent the federal government’s deportation activities, but OSU has chosen not to participate in those actions nor will it provide information to the federal government to aid in those actions, unless required in specific instances by court order or an emergency health or safety situation."

In Eugene, University of Oregon President Michael Schill sent a message to staff and students that he wants "to make crystal clear our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

"I also want to make absolutely clear that we condemn any threat or effort to intimidate anyone at the university. We are a community of scholars. Efforts to divide us based upon the color of our skin, our nationality, our immigration status, our abilities, our diversity of thought, our gender, or our sexual orientation must be called out and stopped."

At Portland State, the state's third largest university, university president Wim Wiewei told Oregon Public Broadcasting that the order is having a "chilling effect" not only on those directly involved but all international students.

Photo of OHSU President Joe Robertson courtesy OHSU