In a letter sent to the Dickinson community on Monday, Jan. 30, Interim President Neil Weissman repudiated President Trump’s executive order that bans immigration from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

The email reads: “I write to express Dickinson College’s deep concern over President Trump’s executive order banning immigration of refugees from seven predominantly Muslim nations and over any further efforts to restrict the flow of people and ideas across our borders.”

He continues: “Dickinson is committed to global education and to building an inclusive community. We remain firm in welcoming talented students and employees from across the globe and reject decisions based on religion or national origin.”

While Weissman has offered the college’s support to international students, it remains unclear whether students will be able to obtain their degrees should they be prohibited from returning to campus.

“The college would guarantee the student’s place at Dickinson and make efforts to facilitate the student’s return… If they are not allowed to return, we would need to explore with the faculty if and how they might complete their Dickinson education,” stated Weissman. Samantha Brandeur, associate provost and executive director for the Center for Global Study and Engagement (CGSE), issued the same statement.

Rami Al Nahas ’20, a Syrian student, felt that Dickinson is doing whatever it can to protect international students, within constraints.

“I do believe that Dickinson is doing enough for the situation at the moment. By the end of the day, they are federally funded and cannot control the borders or the President,” he stated. “I do believe that spreading more awareness around campus can be helpful.  But in all honesty, I am as confused as anybody else.”

To ensure that no student is prohibited from returning to campus following longer school breaks, CGSE will help international students remain in the United States during summer breaks.

“We will help with finding student housing over breaks, if [affected] students decide to remain in the U.S.” said Brandeur. She also maintained that at this point in time, CGSE is not telling international students to stay on campus during their studies.

“We are not advising [not studying abroad] as a general policy. Depending on a student’s country of origin and the status of the President’s executive order, additional counseling on study abroad options may be necessary for some individuals,” she said.

Professor of American Studies Amy Farrell also urged international students to keep in mind all of the legal options available for them.

“I think it’s important for international students to understand that there are coalitions of lawyers and activists and scholars in the United States working for the rights of all.”

Lebanese student Namir Saade ’18, who will study abroad in Australia during the spring 2017 semester, is worried about his future education at Dickinson.

“If [the countries on the executive order] were to expand, my country could easily become a part of it. I literally wouldn’t be able to graduate. I’m glad Dickinson is doing something about it or at least trying to,” he said.

Overseas Student Assistant and Program Assistant for the German Department Hannah Merkel also appreciated the administration reaching out to students. “I am concerned, even though I am probably not the main aim of his [Trump’s] politics,” she said. “I appreciate that Interim President Weissman, students and faculty at Dickinson speak up and renounce any form of racism. It is important to have strong civil societies when core values of our societies are at stake, in Europe as much as in the U.S.”

Belgian student Jean-Daniel Goblet ’18 appreciates that Dickinson College denounces stereotypes and stands up for its students.

“It is heartening and I think that most of us are grateful to be in a college, which defends the value of its students, supports religious diversity and does not blindly fall into stereotypes,” he said. “This early letter was strongly needed for reassurance and further portrays Dickinson’s values and culture.”

Pakistani student, Abdullah Rumman ’20, says he felt supported by the administration, however, he hopes the college will increase its support of international students. “The CGSE has been helpful indeed, to many of the international students. However, such a problem probably hasn’t come forth in the past so how they respond to this one is yet to be seen,” he said. “I would like to believe that the letter is an initiation for more measures that make the international students feel less vulnerable since they leave their homes behind and in a way, start life anew here.”

Weissman acknowledged that not everyone will agree with his letter, however, he urged people to share their conflicting views with each other.

“Not everyone will agree with the college’s position. Members of the community, including, especially, students, with differing views should feel free to express them. We welcome civil discussion and debate.”

International students with questions about visa status, pending travel arrangements or general worries, should reach out to the Center for Global Study and Engagement at 717-245-1341 or stop by the Stern Center at 208 W. Louther St.