Monash Vice Chancellor condemns Trump's order banning entry to Muslim migrants

Courtesy of News Corp


Monash VC Margaret Gardner has responded to the Trump administration's executive order restricting entry to the US in a message to university staff.

Dear colleagues,

Monash aspires to the internationalism that is fundamental to excellence in education and research.  Inclusion, openness and respect are fundamental to the University's values and realisation of our aspirations.

From its beginnings in the turbulent sixties, the vibrant Monash community has been diverse and open to the world. Last year, around 19,000 international students came to our Australian campuses, our staff are drawn from the nations, cultures and religions of the world, and we have campuses and centres in south-east Asia, China, India and Europe. 

National borders are irrelevant to the free exchange of ideas that is vital to the education and research of universities.

The recent Executive Order by US President Donald Trump, which restricts citizens of various countries from entering the United States, threatens to impede our ability to support the diversity we champion. It has provoked doubt about the ability of some of our most talented researchers, students and staff to engage with their peers in the United States. And by targeting citizens from some countries that are predominantly Muslim, it undermines the tolerance on which greater understanding and exchange are built. 

Academic activities of Monash University have already been affected by this Executive Order, as they have for other universities in Australia. This Executive Order is deeply concerning not only for Monash and every Australian university, but for our colleagues in the United States and across the world.

Our diversity is among this University’s greatest cultural assets. I would like to assure every member of our community that openness, inclusion and respect for difference will always be core to Monash. 

Developments in the United States are being monitored closely and the University will endeavour to provide support and advice for any staff and students affected by the Executive Order.

Professor Margaret Gardner AO
President and Vice-Chancellor

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