Chancellor DiStefano shows support and concern for CU community following Trump’s travel ban
The question is, what happens next?
On Sunday, Chancellor DiStefano issued a statement regarding the university’s stance on the Trump’s recent actions.
Though it is not clear how the university has or is planning to address the monumental problems that international students, faculty and staff may face due to this executive order, the Chancellor maintains that CU is committed to supporting everyone affected by it. The statement recognizes that CU’s administration is called to act during this time and aid the international members of CU’s community, as well as those currently in the US during this time of fear and uncertainty. However, it is hard to ignore the fact that even the Chancellor and President of CU don’t quite know this “temporary ban” will affect members within its own community.
It is known right now that President Benson and Chancellor DiStefano have signed a letter in support of DACA students. They are among 600+ presidents and chancellors nationwide that have signed this letter of support, which is a step in the right direction.
To say that this ban is “similar” to what the Obama administration did in 2011 is ridiculous. Obama’s order paused consideration of refugee applications from Iraq for six months in 2011. Trump has far surpassed this order by banning the entrance of not only Iraqi citizens for 90 days, but also Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Even more concerning, is that this is apparently just the “first step toward establishing a broader ban,” according to a senior White House official (CNN). The official went on to say that the administration will be “very aggressive” as it weighs how many countries will be added to the list of those already temporarily banned from entering.
So how does this affect CU? Well, as of Fall 2016, there are over 3,000 international students enrolled on the Boulder campus, and with the impending addition of more countries to the list of those banned, it is a concerning time for them. Many other students that are US citizens with non-US-citizen family members or have family in banned countries are also deeply affected by this executive order. On behalf of CU’s administration, the chancellor has advised “community members who may be impacted by the executive order to postpone international travel out of the U.S. for the time being.” This vague and concerning message is only a testament to the uncertainty and fear that has spread across CU’s community, among so many others in the nation, and the world.
It is important for not only those affected by this and future orders to stay educated, but for the entire CU community to be up to date on the issues at hand in this very tense political climate.
Chancellor DiStefano has promised updates via colorado.edu.