January 28, 2017 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tyler McNeil, tyler.mcneil@sunysa.org
Student Assembly President Marc J. Cohen, the Executive Committee of the Student Assembly, and campus student government presidents came together to speak out against the discriminatory executive order issued by the President of the United States.
“The President’s Executive Order halting the legal immigration and free movement of refugees and citizens of several Muslim-majority countries to enter our own, a country of immigrants, is discriminatory and wrong. We, the elected leaders from across the 64 campuses of largest system of public colleges and universities in the country, stand united in our shame of this hateful decision.
“The President’s decision will stall progress on critical research, will prevent students from pursuing their education, and will forever leave a stain on the reputation of the values held dearly by this nation. Let us remind you, Mr. President, of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.’
“Let us assure you, Mr. President, that these words are not empty. We will fight for justice and equality, and for the most fundamental freedoms that define American greatness. If you try to divide us, you will fail. If you attempt to discriminate, you will fail. If you seek to portray our incredible diversity as anything other than a strength, you will fail. Progress will always prevail.”
About the SUNY Student Assembly
The Student Assembly of the State University of New York (SUNY SA) is the recognized student government organization representing the nearly 600,000 students of the State University of New York. Comprised of student leaders elected by their peers from across SUNY’s 64 campuses, SUNY SA is committed to empowering students throughout the state, and ensuring the representation of its members on the state and national level, as well as throughout the SUNY system.
