COM Response to Executive Order - Travel Restrictions

January 27th, 2017 - 1:07pm
Email sent to the campus community following the executive order regarding travel restrictions

On January 27, 2017, an executive order was signed by President Trump issuing travel restrictions for individuals from seven Muslim-majority countries. On Saturday, a federal judge blocked part of the ban, issuing a stay to prevent the deportation of visa holders and refugees currently being detained at United States airports. 

The action being taken by the Trump administration is contrary to the mission of our College and that of community colleges system-wide. This situation has created worry, fear, and uncertainty for many Muslim and non-Muslim individuals in our community and across the United States. We are together in this struggle. The strengths and contributions of immigrants enrich the educational setting and we want to reassure students, staff, and faculty that we are unwavering in our commitment to keeping our students safe.

We will be following this situation closely, and we encourage all students who are impacted or who have questions or concerns, to reach out to the many resources available at College of Marin (list provided below).

Currently, College of Marin advises all students and their families from the seven countries, regardless of immigrant or non-immigrant visa standing, to remain in the United States until further clarification emerges regarding new visa policies. In addition, we advise all international students, regardless of citizenship, to only travel outside of the United States if necessary. Please check in with the International Education Office if you are planning to travel outside of the United States.

As a reminder during this difficult time, we "will present a united front on behalf of all of our students, their families, and our community." College of Marin is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment that embraces the experiences of every student, staff, and faculty member. 

The superintendent/president’s full article on College of Marin’s commitment to supporting all students is available online: 
http://president.marin.edu/blog/coms-commitment-supporting-all-students

Discrimination is not tolerated and is unacceptable at College of Marin (http://policies.marin.edu/sites/default/files/BP3410-Nondiscrimination.pdf). If you witness or experience hate speech or behavior, contact the Student Activities and Advocacy Office at (415) 485-9375 or in the Student Services Center, room 241.

If you know of anyone who is being detained at any airport in the United States, call the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California hotline at (415) 621-2488.


College of Marin Resources:

International Education Office
Student Services Center, room 124
Kentfield Campus
Alison Brier Welch, International Student Advisor
(415) 457-9740
international@marin.edu

Psychological Services
Kentfield and Indian Valley Campus locations
(415) 485-9649 or (415) 485-9432
Danila Musante, Counselor
dmusante@marin.edu 
Servicios en Español:
Brian King, Counselor
bpking@marin.edu 

Student Activities and Advocacy (SAA)
Student Services Center, room 247
Kentfield Campus
(415) 485-9376
Sadika Sulaiman Hara, Director
ssulaimanhara@marin.edu
Chris Yang, Equity and Activities Coordinator
cyang@marin.edu 

Dean of Student Success
Student Services Center, room 258
Kentfield Campus
(415) 485-9431
Lisa S. Webb, Interim Dean 
lswebb@marin.edu


Respectfully,

Carol Hildebrand
Director of Community Education, Lifelong Learning, and International Education

Sadika Sulaiman Hara
Director of Student Activities and Advocacy

David Wain Coon, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President