The Trump Presidency
Cambridge University Perspetive

Vice-Chancellor's statement on US travel ban ... 'The executive order issued by the United States government is an affront to one of the most fundamental human freedoms,' says Sir Leszek Borysiewicz

Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

Vice-Chancellor's statement on US travel ban

'The executive order issued by the United States government is an affront to one of the most fundamental human freedoms,' says Sir Leszek Borysiewicz

I cannot accept a policy that undermines academic freedom, disrupts partnerships, and blocks the pathways to understanding between peoples

The University of Cambridge is a global community of scholars.

For centuries, it has thrived on the talent and the ideas brought by people from around the world. It has, in turn, contributed to global knowledge through the free movement of its students and researchers. We believe that diversity – of nationality, of background and of opinion – is one of our greatest strengths.

The recent executive order issued by the United States government, imposing a ban on nationals of seven Muslim-majority nations, is an affront to one of the most fundamental human freedoms.

As the head of a university whose staff is actively engaged in research collaborations around the world, I cannot accept a policy that undermines academic freedom, disrupts partnerships, and blocks the pathways to understanding between peoples, faiths and nations.

As the son of a family of refugees welcomed by Britain after the Second World War, I abhor a discriminatory policy that further endangers the lives of people who have fled conflict and sought sanctuary elsewhere.

While we acknowledge that a country must have the right to manage its own borders, this ban is fundamentally at odds with the values of openness, tolerance and evidence-based decision-making that the University of Cambridge stands for.

Implementation of the executive order may curtail some of our researchers’ ability to attend academic events, work with colleagues, and in some cases even meet with their families in the United States.

Although we are not yet aware of any specific cases, the University of Cambridge will provide guidance and support to any of its students or members of staff affected by the travel ban.

We are determined to champion openness, and the free exchange of knowledge across borders. Even as governments around the world seek to curb freedom of movement, the University of Cambridge remains committed to welcoming the best and brightest students and staff— irrespective of their nationality.

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Students concerned about the potential impact on their travel plans of new restrictions on entry to the United States can contact the International Student Team; staff members with similar concerns can contact the University's Immigration and Compliance Manager.

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