President Riordan’s Response to Immigration Ban

See what Adelphi is doing to offer ongoing support and guidance to our students on DACA and immigration matters.

Dear Members of the Adelphi Community,

I would like to take a moment, on this Monday after a tumultuous weekend, to discuss a very important topic: the Adelphi University response to the 90-day ban on immigrant and nonimmigrant entry to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

Our main campus in Garden City, New York, is 37 miles from the Statue of Liberty, and our Manhattan Center is even closer.

The images of protests and detentions at airports this weekend made a strong impression on me. I know you feel the same way.

I was very proud to be president of Adelphi when we welcomed our most diverse class in Adelphi history last fall. All of us worked hard for that goal. Today, if you walk across Levermore lawn or visit Nexus during class hours, you will see students from four continents, representing every religion, every interest and every ethnic group. One hundred and twenty new students from around the world just joined our community last week. Walk a little farther, and you will see the Veteran Resource Center for our student veterans and the Interfaith Center, which offers spiritual guidance for all students, regardless of religious background. Adelphi University is a place where all are welcomed, all are honored and all are respected for the unique gifts they offer. I pledge to work my hardest to keep it that way.

However, recent and possible impending changes in immigration policy have affected some of the members of our Adelphi family. We have been in regular personal contact with our community members who may be affected by executive orders from the White House. We are offering our help and unwavering support to all.

Back in December, I formed the DACA, International and Immigration Task Force of faculty, staff and students. Please be assured that our task force will be meeting throughout this time of change–assessing changes in immigration policy, monitoring impact and providing solutions. This task force is led by Esther Goodcuff ’74, M.A. ’77, associate vice president of student affairs, and Perry Greene, vice president for diversity and inclusion.

I would like you to read their statement:

“The DACA, International and Immigration Task Force strongly advises that any students, faculty or staff from the nations covered by the current executive order not travel outside the United States for at least the next ninety days, or until we understand the full parameters of the executive order. Even after the ninety-day period is over, we are not sure how the visa or entry requirements may change, and we are urging caution in this regard.”

Additionally, anyone who would like individualized advice or support should reach out to Jeffrey Kessler, assistant vice president and dean of student affairs, at kessler@adelphi.edu or 516.877.3151.

We encourage anyone in our community who may be affected by the changes to feel free to reach out to us for support and guidance.

Please be assured that I am personally engaged in making sure our students, faculty and staff will be allowed to study peacefully, travel peacefully and live peacefully here at Adelphi. As “One Adelphi,” I believe we should stand together in support of all of our community.

Most sincerely,

Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D., President