KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The last Board of Trustees Meeting for Western Michigan Universiy President Edward Montgomery was a contentious one as student protestors filled the room to urge the university to protect international students from the Trump administration
Six WMU students have already had their student status revoked, requiring they leave the country immediately unless they apply to have their status reinstated.
The protestors, which included faculty, students, and alumni, demanded the WMU do more than just state their neutrality in such matters. They day they fear this is just the beginning of actions that could impact many more students.
Marissa Wagner with Students for Justice in Palestine says they need action now.
“We are not asking for performative statements or symbolic gestures, we are demanding a commitment to safety and academic freedom.”
Among the demands made were that the university form workshops so students know their rights, a committee be formed to draft new policies to protect international students, that financial and legal assistance be granted as necessary, and that efforts are made to help students complete their degrees if they are forced to leave the country.
Board of Trustees President Shelly Edgerton said after receiving the comments that they are listening, they do share the concerns, and will act appropriately.
“Your voices are fueling our urgency to protect the WMU family and our freedoms. We appreciate your passion and please know it absolutely impacts us.”
“We’re working with the administration to ensure that all we were and will actively evaluate and potentially incorporate the appeals and ideas made today.”
The six students have had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) records terminated by the Department of Homeland Security for alleged violation of their visas. The appeals process requires that a designated school official provide a recommendation to have the status reinstated.
CNN reports that officials in 40 states now confirm that over a 1,000 students at 130 colleges nationwide have lost their SEVIS status.
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