Pullman schools, WSU issue statements after Trump immigration ban

After President Donald Trump Friday signed an executive order on immigration, banning travel to the U.S. by citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries, suspending all refugee admission for 120 days and barring all Syrian refugees indefinitely, Pullman Public Schools issued a statement expressing its commitment to educate all students.

“In light of recent events and concerns, Pullman Public Schools remains committed to serving all students. We believe that it is the right of every child, regardless of immigration status, to access a free public K-12 education and we will continue to welcome and support all students,” the statement read. “It is our honor and responsibility to provide a quality education for all students, which includes a safe and stable learning environment, means of transportation to and from school sites, and qualifying services (including free or reduced meals for students that qualify, regardless of citizenship status).”

Trump's immigration ban listed citizens from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and led to protests at several airports over the weekend. Several people were reportedly held in detention at airports, despite valid documentation.

The Pullman School District was not the only school district to issue a statement following President Trump's executive order. Washington State University President Kirk Schulz also issued a statement.

Addressing his statement to faculty, staff and students, Schulz wrote, “Washington State University shares the deep concerns expressed nationwide about the federal executive order that restricts the ability of individuals from certain countries from being able to enter or return to the United States.”

The WSU president went on to say that the university welcomes and supports all students, “regardless of the country they call home. We remain unflinchingly committed to respecting the dignity of each individual – regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, gender identity or expression, religion, or sexual orientation. We will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive community, embrace civil discourse, and strive to ensure a welcoming a safe environment for all.”

Schulz also said the university is monitoring how Trump's executive order will impact the Pullman and WSU communities and also advised non-U.S. citizens and their families from the listed countries against traveling outside of the United States.

He also noted university resources are being made available to international students. The International Program Global Services staff in Bryan Hall is prepared to offer assistance.

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