Statement from Fredonia President Virginia Horvath on Executive Order on Immigration

Dear Fredonia Community,

In the past few days, our nation has been responding to President Trump's Executive Order on immigration, which imposes a travel ban and immigration from 7 countries and, at least initially, restricted permanent residents and green card holders from re-entering the United States. The details about the EO and its implementation are still unclear and changing, but this has caused a national and international response. 

I'm writing to share with you some pertinent statements from SUNY leadership and AASCU (the American Association of State Colleges and Universities) and to tell you about what our campus is doing to support our students, faculty, and staff -- and to encourage inclusive, democratic dialogue on this issue. The statements are included at the end of my message below.

Here is what we can do at Fredonia:

• The Office of International Education offers support to international students, and Naomi Baldwin and Jacob Czelusta are reaching out to all students to determine who may be directly affected. Many other students, however, have concerns about their status, and the staff are available for information and conversation.
• Human Resources is available to assist faculty and staff who have questions or concerns about their status. Jennifer Costa can work with faculty and staff and is available to assist with visa issues and travel concerns.
• The Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs will be developing opportunities for dialogue on this issue.

One of our faculty, Professor Czerton Lim in the Department of Theatre and Dance, has approached this issue in a unique way that can promote meaningful dialogue. He is wearing an I AM statement that tells about his identity and invites others to engage in conversation with him. As he explained in a powerful message to his colleagues (used with his permission here), this is his way of fostering dialogue among students and within our community:

Statement from Professor Czerton Lim: "As theatre artists, we are first and foremost storytellers. Diversity breeds new stories and new points of view. Only with plurality are we truly able to tell the 'whole' story. Only when we can hear other points of view can we truly serve our roles as storytellers. As an immigrant, I am fully aware of what it takes to enter this country legally and the privilege of becoming a U.S. citizen. This takes time, energy and patience, so I speak for those who waited in line, who filled out the paperwork, who put in the time, who were 'vetted,' who sacrificed to get in line, who are fleeing horrendous conditions to apply to enter this country only to be denied due process with the flick of a pen. I speak for those denied entry and opportunity due to where they come from and what they believe.  I am speaking for those who have no voice because I have mine.

So I have decided to 'wear' my identity in the hopes of fostering open communication and putting a 'face' to the countless immigrants and refugees whose legal status is now in limbo. I have decided to wear my identity while I am here in Fredonia as a theatre educator to compel people to ask 'who I am.'  I have decided to wear my identity so that I may be able to hear other perspectives and in doing so, share my perspective, because first and foremost, I am a storyteller and I am eager to hear your story if only you are eager to hear mine.  

I encourage you to ask.  
I encourage you to listen. 
I encourage you to share.

I encourage you to continue to tell your story so others have a chance to tell theirs."

I share Professor Lim's encouragement to Fredonians to tell your story, to begin the many conversations about this by sharing your own I AM statement. If we are to understand one another and the many perspectives we bring to issues beyond our campus, the I AM Campaign can be a way to start those conversations in ways that are respectful of difference and identity.

Thank you, Professor Lim, for your clear articulation of this idea and your willingness to share it. And thank you to the many of you who have written to Provost Terry Brown, Vice President Cedric Howard, and me to express your concern for students and colleagues. We have an opportunity here to engage in democratic dialogue and to learn from one another. I have confidence in the Fredonia community to see and respect one another and to learn and help.

With best wishes,

Ginny Horvath

President

__________________________

"The State University of New York enrolls approximately 22,140 international students from 180 countries, including 320 students from the seven countries affected by the current ban on travel. SUNY is reviewing President Trump's Executive Order and surveying its campuses to determine the impact it may have on our students, faculty, and staff both abroad and at home on our 64 college and university campuses.

"As always, our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion are unwavering. Our founding principles and support for undocumented students,restated by the SUNY Board of Trustees at its meeting last week, continue to guide our actions as we review and react to new federal mandates with regard to immigration.

"SUNY leadership and university police will do all we can, within the law, to support any students, faculty, and staff affected by the Executive Order. In the meantime, we recommend suspending travel plans to the countries included, and urge individuals affected to keep in contact with their campus Office of International Student and Scholar Services.

"SUNY has established a website (www.suny.edu/immigration) to provide students and families with current resources as well as additional information as it becomes available."

"The United States has long benefitted from scientific, cultural, and economic contributions of international students and scholars. America's state colleges and universities have been strengthened by the presence of students and faculty from around the globe, including those from the seven countries specifically targeted by the President's executive order. We share in the collective commitment to protect our national security while at the same time enriching our nation with invaluable contributions from abroad. Accordingly, we respectfully urge the Administration to reconsider its recent action."