Wellesley Responds to Presidential Executive Order
On Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump issued an executive order, “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States,” which, among other things, temporarily bars Syrian refugees from entering the United States and imposes a 90-day ban on nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
In response to the executive order, the College is strongly advising Wellesley students, faculty, and staff from the affected countries, including those who are dual citizens and/or permanent residents, not to travel beyond the borders of the United States. In fact, it is suggested that all immigrants defer travel outside of the United States while we await clarity and legal analysis.
Multiple U.S. federal courts have issued stays temporarily halting the removal of individuals detained at U.S. airports, including at JFK International Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport. On Sunday afternoon, thousands, including some Wellesley students, filled Copley Square in downtown Boston to protest against the Trump executive order.
On Sunday evening, President Paula Johnson addressed the executive order in a letter to the community. “The leadership team and I are deeply concerned about the impact of the executive order issued by President Donald Trump,” President Johnson wrote, adding, “there is much still to learn, and the situation is in flux, but the scope and reach of this executive order affects us all. We find ourselves facing a new world; how we act will define who we are as a community. My goal in this message is to convey our unwavering support for any and all of our community members affected by this executive order. We remain dedicated to your safety and to your unimpeded ability to take your place as a valued member of this community.”
She continued, “At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. As a college, and as a community, we have opened our doors to the wider world because this expands our view, adds to our strength, and deepens our humanity. We are a community of global citizens—and this moment requires our very best.”
Wellesley is closely monitoring the situation. Information and resources can be found at wellesley.edu/immigrationexecutiveorder. On Wednesday, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life will explore issues stemming from the presidential executive order at its weekly “A Place for Peace” meeting at 12:30p.m. in the Multifaith Center.
