KSU President Sam Olens appears to have a more timid response to President Donald Trump’s proposed immigration ban when compared to other university presidents, who seem to take more direct stands with their students.
Olens sent out a campus-wide email on Jan. 30 regarding Trump’s executive order, who to go to with questions or concerns, and how to schedule a consultation regarding visa status.
“We recognize that many of you have questions related to this action,” Olens’ email read. “Please know that the safety and well-being of our campus community are our top priority. We are closely monitoring this evolving situation and are coordinating with the University System of Georgia and all relevant state and federal agencies.”
Although Olens says that safety is the priority on campus, there is no mention of standing behind the students of KSU in direct support. The email is short and straightforward, only stating the facts.
I feel that the people in our community are all here for one purpose: to get the best scholarly experience that the university can provide. If anyone in our community has that opportunity jeopardized or feels scared in a place of learning, then action should be taken. Our community should feel absolutely supported by our leader.
Many university presidents have shown passion and support for their students, openly stating their doubt of the executive order in well-constructed, lengthy messages.
On Jan. 29, Harvard University President Drew Faust responded with a message titled “We Are All Harvard” that showed a deep passion for students and mentioned that international students and scholars help make up the overall identity of the university.
“Although the situation remains in flux and doubt, I write to share information about resources available to students and faculty and to underscore that our international students and scholars are essential to our identity and excellence,” Faust said. “We are all Harvard.”
Faust stated that nearly half of the deans of Harvard’s schools are immigrants— from India, China, Northern Ireland, Jamaica and Iran.
“It is a crucial ingredient in making American higher education a singular national asset, the destination of choice for countless scholars and students whose contributions serve our nation and our world,” Faust said.
Peter Salvoes, the president of Yale University, announced in a campus-wide email his underlying concerns about the ban and his support for the students.
“We are alarmed by this executive order,” Salvoes said. “Together with many others in and beyond the Yale community, we question the motivation underlying it and recognize that it departs from long-standing policies and practices in our country.”
Salvoes also discussed the importance of international students and scholars from other countries not only to the university but to the nation.
“Our campus includes more than 5,000 international students and scholars from 118 countries — they are part of the very lifeblood of this university,” Salvoes said. “Not only do immigrant and international students and academics contribute to our university, but they also contribute tremendously to our nation.”
Olens did not mention standing with students, nor the importance that international students bring to the school in his email, which should greatly concern the KSU community.
Richard Brodhead, president of Duke University, affirmed his commitment to students on Jan. 29 in a campus-wide message, stating that they will pursue scholarship regardless of their background.
“To that end, we want to restate our fundamental commitment to ensuring that all students and faculty can focus on what brought them here in the first place: to get a world-class education and pursue scholarship in an environment that supports them regardless of their background,” Brodhead said.
The presidents of Harvard, Yale and Duke show their support for their international students through stating the importance they bring to the university. The leaders of these schools stand with their students in this battle against the executive order.
As a community, it is our duty to stand together and support those in fear. International students help build our community. This country is built upon diversity, and it is the minds of people with different views and from different nations that bring a new perspective.
