Lehigh University College of Education Statement regarding Presidential Executive order on Immigration

The College of Education is in concordance with the entire Lehigh University Community in rejecting action that discriminates on the basis of religion, nationality, race, gender, or any other personal characteristic or identity. We firmly believe that we are all enriched by relationships that bridge cultures and worldviews and that our community is stronger when we are bound by the principles of mutual respect, acceptance and inclusivity. 
 
The free flow of students and scholars across borders is essential to the scholarly activity of our College, and international engagement remains an integral component of our mission of teaching, research and service. We remain committed to attracting and retaining the best students and scholars from all over the world, and our academic community has grown and thrived as a result.
 
This is a time of great uncertainty, and we are all feeling a sense of unease regarding a rapidly shifting landscape. It is also a time for our entire community to work together to support those most impacted by this action, and for the College and our entire Lehigh community to reaffirm our collective intention to continue to build a community that values all its members, including individuals of all religious backgrounds. There should be absolutely no ambiguity regarding the values embraced by the College of Education. We share an expectation that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we will accept nothing less. 
 
Gary M. Sasso, Dean
College of Education
Lehigh University