York University Provost and Vice-President Academic Rhonda Lenton issues the following message to the University community:
Further to the President’s message of January 31, regarding the recent United States’ travel ban, I am pleased to share an update regarding how the York University community is standing in solidarity with academics who have been, or could be, impacted.
The recent U.S. federal appeals court’s unanimous ruling clearly states the position that such a travel ban cannot be upheld, and as such, the travel ban is currently not being enforced. While the White House has signaled its intent to pursue an appeal, there is some uncertainty and confusion.
Members of the York University community have been offering a temporary academic home to scholars and students affected by the travel ban. The University fully supports our faculty members’ efforts and encourages them to continue to do so.
Indeed, I wish to take this opportunity to encourage you to welcome those visitors who will join us because they have been banned from travelling to the U.S. Sustaining international scholarly collaboration and learning, and ensuring it is equally accessible to all, is critical to higher education and to the global community.
As one of the most diverse universities in the world, York is, in every way, a global university. The strengths we enjoy today were built on our founding principles of openness and inclusion. We must continue to defend these values which have shaped us and which allow us to foster and sustain human connection and understanding while at the same time enabling us to address the most challenging issues of our time.
For members of our community seeking advice and/or support, please find below the key contact areas within the University:
York International
Immigration specialists Carol Tang and Diana Ning are available to answer questions Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
http://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/
(416) 736-5177
For International Faculty and Staff Queries
Affirmative Action, Immigration & Relocation Officer, Faculty Relations
Claudia McPherson
mcpherc@yorku.ca
(416) 736-2100l, ext. 33434
Community Safety
safety@yorku.ca
Urgent matters: (416) 736-5333 or ext. 33333
Non-urgent matters: (416) 650-8000 or ext. 58000
The Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion
http://rights.info.yorku.ca/
(416) 736-5682
Personal Counselling Services
http://pcs.info.yorku.ca/
416-736-5297