Joint Statement from UWM’s Shared Governance Bodies on Executive Order 13769

On January 27, President Trump issued Executive Order 13769, titled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” The order bans Syrian refugees and limits entry to the US for anyone coming from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia, with few exceptions. As leaders of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s shared governance bodies, we speak to the very real pain that this executive order is causing our students, faculty, and staff. Our campus is home to international students, staff, and faculty whose scholarship, teaching, and service are vital to the growth and success of our campus, the city of Milwaukee, the region, and the world. UWM’s international community has greatly enriched our campus in the past, and we hope will be able to continue to do so in the future. These peers and colleagues are full members of our university community. “Protecting the nation” means protecting those who live, study, and work here, not just those who were born here. We cannot let fear compromise our principles. Our diversity of both people and ideas makes us all stronger and safer. We stand united in support of our international students, faculty, and staff.