Rutgers sociology professor calls for Barchi to ‘stand up’ to Trump’s executive order
He called RU an ‘international community of scholars’
Department chair of the sociology department, Paul McLean, responded to President Barchi’s email calling for a stronger response to President Trump’s executive order on immigration.
In his email, he writes: “In my opinion, we need to stand up more strongly against the unethical and putatively unconstitutional actions of the Trump administration with regard to this executive order than your email here implies.”
McLean goes on to explain why a firmer stance is necessary on behalf of a diverse community like Rutgers, and asserts that it is unacceptable for anyone at the University to feel “any less than 100% protected.”
McLean told The Tab: “‘Knowledge production knows no nationalities.’ I know that may not be absolutely true all the time, but I’m committed to that belief. I strongly believe that President Barchi shares this viewpoint, even as I wish he had spoken more forcefully in defense of our values and the place of the university in an enlightened society.”
Citing Rutgers as an “international community of scholars,” he expressed his concern that the ban may jeopardize the work of students and families from targeted nations, as well as disrupt their daily lives and divide their families.
In order to protect members of our community impacted by the executive order, McLean says “we will have to continue to speak out as concerned and critically minded citizens–via marches, petitions to our representatives, academic discussions on campus, involvement with off-campus groups, and perhaps especially, critical yet compassionate engagement with those who hold different political opinions–to defend our university community against policies that violate our core values.”
Nicole Ramos, a senior minoring in sociology said, “I completely agree with Dr. McLean’s statement. Immediate action needs to be taken to help members of our Rutgers community feel safe and included. Simply stating that we care isn’t enough.”
Later today, there will be a student-led solidarity march beginning at Brower Commons on College Avenue at 4:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m. The Facebook event page has approximately 1500 students listed as attending, and aims to “show the strength of our Rutgers family and stand by our Muslim & immigrant communities affected by these divisive policies.”
