Eastern Illinois University President David Glassman issued as statement on Monday on President Trump’s executive order calling for a temporary halt of immigration from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, and Libya. Glassman said the executive action “in no way reflects the views and values of Eastern Illinois University, and that we are greatly disheartened by this change in federal policy.”
Glassman went on to say that diversity brings the benefit of having different experiences, cultures, and religions at EIU. The school has 436 international students representing 42 countries currently attending, the highest in the university’s history.
“I am saddened by this turn of events that threatens the rights of many, including some individuals in the EIU community,” Glassman continued. “We will continue to monitor these developments, while also supporting the rights of all our international students, faculty and staff.”
Glassman took the helm at EIU in 2015 amid financial uncertainly for the school. Last year, EIU laid off nearly 200 employees in order to cut costs. The full statement can be found here!