Members of the Liberal Arts Community,
Below is a statement from the university administration concerning posts on many campus bulletin boards encouraging people to “turn in” undocumented international students. I emphasize that the College of the Liberal Arts endorses the university’s statement and welcomes all students to an inclusive community that respects the views, lives, and contributions of all who come to study and learn.
With regards,
Susan Welch
Dean
College of the Liberal Arts
We are aware of the posters appearing on public campus bulletin boards encouraging the reporting of illegal immigrants. The posters are unsigned and appear to be designed to provoke anger, fear and hate. The University finds them deeply offensive. Those posters that are found on University bulletin boards designated for use only by University organizations, under normal policy and practice, are being removed. Some of these posters, however, are on public boards. Those will not be removed but may be relocated if they are used to block other posted documents. As an institution of higher education, Penn State fully supports the right of free speech and encourages its expression in thoughtful and respectful way, even when we strongly disagree with the opinions expressed.
The University would like to emphasize that every student on this campus has earned the right to be here based on their academic qualifications and hard work. Penn State is enriched by students and scholars from around the world and we will continue our work on providing a climate of inclusion for all, regardless of country of origin. As an expression of our values, and for information on the University’s support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), see http://news.psu.edu/story/439921/2016/11/30/penn-state-president-eric-barron-shares-message-support-daca. Penn State continues to be a campus dedicated to building a safe, supportive and welcoming learning environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion.
Thank you.