(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Earlier today, University of Alabama President Stuart Bell released a statement on the recent Executive Order, which bars citizens of seven countries from entering the United States for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days.
According to The University of Alabama’s Quick Facts page, 4 percent of students are considered “International” students; coming from 77 different nations across the world. It’s not immediately clear how many students the ban will affect.
On Saturday, a federal judge in New York blocked part of the order; allowing refugees and immigrants who had arrived in the U.S. after the executive order had been issued to stay. The White House maintains, however, that the ruling only applies to those who are already in America and were en route as the order was being issued.
“Our state and our nation have benefited immensely from the global intellect and engagement offered through our institutions of higher education,” the Bell’s statement read.
“Our international faculty, students, and researchers provide quantifiable value to all of us through their respective fields, impacting our lives in countless ways - from health care and technology invention, to culture and the arts, and to our economy,” Bell said.
“The University of Alabama reaffirms that we welcome and value our community from across the globe. We are offering support to our international faculty, students and researchers for their continued success and well-being in light of the recent Executive Order,” said Bell.
The statement goes on to say: “If you are directly impacted by these developments, we ask that you contact our International Student and Scholar Services Office at 205-348-5402 or international@ua.edu. Their office is located in Room 105 of B.B. Comer Hall. Other services are also available through the Counseling Center and Student care and Well-Being.”
“We will continue to gather information and evaluate the impact this order may have on members of our University community,” the statement concludes.
View the statement below, posted earlier today:
