Letter: UNR embraces diversity

To the community,

As stated in our institutional mission, this university recognizes and embraces the critical importance of diversity in preparing students for global citizenship and is committed to a culture of excellence, inclusion and accessibility.

The Jan. 27 executive order regarding border security and immigration enforcement has raised concern among members of our university community. Accordingly, the university is committed to offering support, resources and information to help our students, faculty, visiting scholars and staff fully understand the executive order’s implications and take the most appropriate action. We recommend that students and scholars from any of the countries listed in the order stay in the United States for at least the next 120 days.

The staff of our Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will be closely monitoring the situation and can advise and answer questions as information becomes available. Individuals affected by this executive order are advised to stay in regular contact with the Office via their website, email oiss@unr.edu, or phone 775.784.6874.

The Association of International Educators, formerly NAFSA, is providing information helpful in understanding the language and application thus far of the executive order on their website.

The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities is also tracking this information closely and will be providing updates at their website.

We value the contributions made by our international faculty, staff and students to our learning environment, which in turn greatly enhances our ability to serve the needs of Nevada, the nation and the world. At the University of Nevada, Reno, we encourage diversity of experience and perspectives and must continue to embrace this important aspect of our mission while providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students and employees.

Marc Johnson, UNR president