Dear DMU Campus Community,
Transitions in leadership are always filled with emotion on all sides. As decisions are made it is important that we all remain steadfast in the basic principles that define this university.
However, given the response to the most recent Presidential Executive Order related to Immigration Travel, I feel it is important to address this issue with you directly. As you have heard, there has been an international “ban” on people traveling to the US from seven Muslim-majority countries. As we all know from news reports, there continues to be great concern about this action, where it might be headed and related effects it could have. We also are aware that additional clarity is needed to understand the full effect of its implementation.
In light of the emotions around this announcement, it is important for me to reiterate what I’ve said on other occasions regarding our commitment to celebrating diversity of all kinds at DMU. I want to assure everyone that the leadership of your university fully supports the opportunities for our students to succeed in their chosen field of study and life pursuits regardless of their culture, orientation or background. We want students to fully enjoy and benefit from their time on campus, to make friends, to collaborate, and discover together both in and out of the classroom. And, as part of our supportive culture on campus, we encourage people to gather for discussion, to express concerns and to share thoughts about public issues. Doing so is a healthy means of processing complicated issues and seeking understanding.
I am well aware that many of you are very concerned about this government action, the many conversations that are taking place and the intense distraction it can cause. I assure you that we will remain vigilant of developments on this front. So you know, we are constantly monitoring all of our students and other personnel who are currently traveling or planning to do so over the next few months. We are also sensitive that family members or friends of students or faculty could be impacted by the Administration’s action and we share your concern.
We anticipate that there will be more developments during the coming weeks. We will keep you informed of any actions that could affect DMU’s people.
As always, remember at DMU we respect and celebrate difference and hope we can see a world that truly understands that we are better together. If there are concerns, please feel free to reach out to me, Provost Karen McLean, or CCO Erika Linden with any questions. As well, I encourage you to take advantage of our campus services as you might need, in particular those in our Office of Multicultural Affairs or the Student Counseling Center.
Sincerely,
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
