Messages to the community

On immigration policies and community support

June 26, 2018

In light of today’s Supreme Court ruling (PDF) related to a ban on immigration that primarily affects individuals from Muslim-majority countries, and recent disturbing news of fraught situations involving immigration enforcement at U.S. borders, we reiterate Columbia’s fundamental commitment to welcoming students, faculty and staff from around the world. 

As President Bollinger has said on many occasions, orders that restrict immigration in this way are damaging to America’s leadership in higher education, and contrary to our nation’s core values and founding principles.  Both in our own community and nationwide, these types of orders restrict the exchange of ideas and reinforce deeply harmful and dangerous stereotypes.

As we have in the past, Columbia will continue to be a part of efforts to oppose these restrictions, together with other colleges and universities throughout the United States.  

On our campuses, several resources are available:

  • EOAA, Public Safety and student affairs staff and advisers within each school can assist with concerns about harassment or discrimination.
     
  • The International Students and Scholars Office is the go-to resource for community members who are affected by the immigration ban that is now firmly in place following the Supreme Court’s ruling and for those affected by recent reports involving limits on certain visas for Chinese students and scholars.
     
  • Columbia Health counseling services on Morningside and mental health services at the Medical Center are always available for all affected students:
     
  • Morningside students contact Counseling and Psychological Services at (212) 854-2878; CUMC students contact Mental Health Services, (212) 305-3400.
     
  • Next month, Columbia Facilities will accept donations of children’s clothing, sneakers, toiletries, school supplies, toys and more, and direct them to programs that are helping house and care for infants and children affected by recent border actions. Please note, items are requested to be new or in original packaging. Find donation tents July 11-13 on Low Plaza.

Not sure where to turn? Contact us at the Office of University Life; [email protected], (212) 854-7658.

With a continuing commitment to all in our University community,

Professor Suzanne B. Goldberg 
Executive Vice President for University Life
Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law