The United States ban on travel announced last week is deeply troubling.

McMaster joins with universities across Canada and around the world in condemning the targeting of individuals based on nationality or religion and is providing supports to any member of the community who may be impacted by this sudden policy change.

“This is a misguided and harmful step that is unnecessarily disruptive for students, faculty members and other partners. McMaster supports the statement issued by Universities Canada  and stands ready to provide assistance to any member of our community who may be adversely impacted,” says President Patrick Deane.

The University continues to monitor the situation as the travel ban is implemented. This is being made more difficult because the ban has been inconsistently interpreted and enforced.

“As an internationally engaged research intensive University, this abrupt change in policy has a chilling impact on individual scholars and their families, and on the important relationships we have carefully built over the years,” Deane says. “Our collaborative partnerships allow us to forge important research and educational programs and activities, which are threatened by arbitrary measures such as the one announced last week.”

McMaster is committed to being an inclusive and respectful community where students, faculty and staff from around the world are welcomed. This focus on inclusivity strengthens, not only our campus, but also our country and our world. The quality of our education, the power of our research and the collegiality of our campus are enriched by our diversity.

The President’s Advisory Committee on Building and Inclusive Community (PACBIC) also posted a statement: PACBIC January Statement Jan. 31

The following campus resources are available and anyone who may be impacted by the ban is encouraged to seek advice and assistance as soon as possible:

Students

International Student Services – iss@mcmaster.ca.

Faculty and staff

Office of the Associate Vice-President, International Affairs – oia@mcmaster.ca

Counselling and other resources are available from the Student Wellness Centre.