From Dr. Belinda S. Miles – Message on Immigration Issues – January 30, 2017
Westchester Community College affirms our steadfast commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. As an inclusive community of scholars, with students and employees from approximately 59 countries, we provide a welcoming and safe environment that nurtures individual talent and promotes intellectual growth. We recognize our ability to attract and maintain a diverse community as one of our key strengths and consistently strive to work collectively in support of all of our students, employees, and community partners.
We encourage members of our community to explore the information referenced in the following correspondence from SUNY Chancellor Zimpher and Chairman McCall, which provides students and families with relevant resources on immigration. Please direct any questions to Dr. Ruben Barato, Associate Dean of Student Life, who oversees the college’s Office of International and Immigrant Student Affairs (ruben.barato@sunywcc.edu, 914-606-6777).
Statement by SUNY Board Chairman H. Carl McCall and Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher
“The State University of New York enrolls approximately 22,140 international students from 180 countries, including 320 students from the seven countries affected by the current ban on travel. SUNY is reviewing President Trump’s Executive Order and surveying its campuses to determine the impact it may have on our students, faculty, and staff both abroad and at home on our 64 college and university campuses.
“As always, our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion are unwavering. Our founding principles and support for undocumented students, restated by the SUNY Board of Trustees at its meeting last week, continue to guide our actions as we review and react to new federal mandates with regard to immigration.
“SUNY leadership and university police will do all we can, within the law, to support any students, faculty, and staff affected by the Executive Order. In the meantime, we recommend suspending travel plans to the countries included, and urge individuals affected to keep in contact with their campus Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
“SUNY has established a website (www.suny.edu/immigration) to provide students and families with current resources as well as additional information as it becomes available.”
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President