The School of Natural Resources lobby was full of people supporting the school’s international faculty, staff and students Friday morning at International Coffee Hour, and back-up pots of coffee quickly had to be brewed to meet demand.
The event was an informal gathering to celebrate SNR’s global team. SNR includes faculty, staff and students from a number of countries around the world, including, but not limited to, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Hungary, India, Iran, Mexico, Oman and Peru.
SNR wanted to celebrate that diversity, knowing it is what makes the school, its research and its students stronger.
The event was announced after a statement last week by five University of Nebraska-Lincoln leaders in response to concern over President Trump’s executive order temporarily banning entry into the United States by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.
"Our diversity is what makes the University of Nebraska an outstanding institution of higher learning," the statement said. "Universities like ours have a proud history of serving as talent magnets, where the best minds come to the table to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Today those challenges are great ... these demand the world’s best thinking.
"Now, more than ever, we must be more inclusive, not less," the statement continues. "And universities should lead the way."
The leaders pledged that their institutions will remain "the kind of place where all feel welcome, valued and safe. Where each student has access to an excellent education and our faculty and staff are able to pursue their world-class work. That’s what our university stands for."
SNR is committed to helping lead the way.
Here to help
Alex Jones of the International Students & Scholar Office was on hand Friday to talk directly with those at SNR who are concerned. ISSO provides immigration assistance to international students and scholars in the UNL community. To talk with a specialist, call (402) 472-516 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit Seaton Hall, Suite 201, Lincoln. No appointments are necessary.
The university also released this week information on frequently asked questions about the presidential ban and how it may affect UNL students, faculty and staff. Read it here.
Read the official statement
To read the statement issued last week, signed by university President Hank Bounds, Chancellor Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor John Christensen, University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Jeffrey Gold and University of Nebraska Kearney Chancellor Doug Kristensen, click here.
— Shawna Richter-Ryerson, Natural Resources; Nebraska Today contributed to this report.