Dear IUPUI students and colleagues,
At IUPUI, we remain unwavering in our commitment to ensuring a welcoming, safe, civil, and inclusive community for all of our students, faculty, and staff. We recognize the absolute necessity of a diverse and inclusive community to an excellent education and welcome all IUPUI students, regardless of their background or country of origin.
President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on Friday, January 27, bans entry for at least 90 days by citizens of and refugees from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. This order strikes at the core of our values as a welcoming and inclusive campus that is committed to drawing the best and brightest from around the world to encourage a culture of intellectual achievement and innovation. IUPUI faculty and staff are sensitive to the concerns these administrative mandates create and to the fear and anxiety being felt by many during these times of uncertainty. (Please see the bottom of this message for information about sessions for international students and scholars and for DACA students.)
As President McRobbie mentioned in his message this weekend, the executive order’s directives will have a significant impact on IUPUI’s international students and scholars, many of whom may be feeling uncertain and frightened. In response, we are advising all of our international students and scholars to allow additional time for visa processing, as wait times are expected to increase. We are also strongly recommending that citizens of the seven countries identified for new visitation restrictions not travel to any country outside of the U.S. at this time.
The recent executive orders have targeted people from specific countries and religious groups. Similarly, expressions of hatred have been appearing in increasing numbers across the IUPUI campus, targeting people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and immigrants. Let me emphasize that we do not tolerate acts of bigotry and hatred at IUPUI. Staff members are closely monitoring campus restrooms and other areas and will be removing these offensive statements, which neither align with nor support the welcoming and inclusive campus we are working to cultivate.
At IUPUI and at colleges and universities around the world, education and research are immeasurably enriched by the presence and contributions of a wide variety of perspectives and voices, including international students, scholars, and faculty. We welcome and support them without regard to their immigration status and are committed to fostering an environment where they can succeed. We will continue and intensify the university’s long-standing advocacy for expanded access to higher education for all IUPUI students living in the United States and around the world.
Our overarching goal at IUPUI is student success. In our curricula and programming, in our services and support, in our words and actions, everything we do aims toward preparing IUPUI students to be active and engaged citizens who are ready to contribute their knowledge, energy, and passion to making this world a better place. Regardless of the circumstances, we remain committed to that important goal.
Sincerely,
Nasser H. Paydar
Chancellor