Joint Statement from SUNY and CUNY Student Leaders on Executive Order

SUNY Student Assembly President Marc. J. Cohen and CUNY University Student Senate Chairperson Chikaodili Onyejiukwa reaffirm their systems’ commitment to social justice and equality and call on students to speak out on the President Trump’s Executive Order, “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.”

“On behalf of the 1.2 million students who attend the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY), we, the duly elected students representatives of our respective student bodies, are calling on our elected officials to take action against the discriminatory Executive Order issued by the President of the United States.

“CUNY was created out of a strong commitment to the unique needs of a diverse urban constituency comprised of individuals from across the world looking to enhance their knowledge and experience through higher education. SUNY rests on a foundation of commitment to opportunity and access, and was designed to meet the diverse needs across a vast geographic landscape.

“Our organizations will be sharing in a ‘Call to Congress’ day occurring Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Our federal officials need to hear how directly this issue affects our students.

“We have the responsibility to act on behalf of those who cannot act for themselves. We have the responsibility to come together and stand in solidarity with our colleagues looking to pursue their education in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. We, along with our dedicated student leaders, are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we will stand up for justice and equality, and for the most fundamental freedoms that define American greatness.” 

Source: SUNY SA