Dear Lebanon Valley College Community,

I write to you from Washington, D.C., where I am attending the annual meeting of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). I, along with my fellow higher education leaders, am troubled by the recent executive order temporarily banning travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

Yesterday, a coalition of 47 higher education associations, led by the American Council on Education and including NAICU, sent Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly a letter expressing our concerns about the problems associated with the executive order. We have offered to work with Secretary Kelly to address these complex issues. I signed the letter today. I also invite you to read, in addition to the coalition letter, a statement from the president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops.

Lebanon Valley College welcomes and supports international members of our community, as well as those of an array of faith perspectives and backgrounds, including followers of Islam. We will continue to offer the LVC community opportunities to participate in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. I want to reaffirm the commitment Dean Green and Dean Krikorian shared with campus earlier this week: We will do everything we can within the full extent of the law to keep you safe and protect your ability to pursue your studies and your work. You belong here.

Warmly,

Dr. Thayne