ACPA-College Student Educators International (ACPA) July 2018 Statement on the Travel Ban Decision On June 26th, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the decision by vote of 5-to-4 to uphold the current federal administration’s ability to impose a travel ban on selected countries. The proposed plan is criticized as a measure targeting predominantly Muslim countries, based on several statements made by the U.S President.

ACPA-College Student Educators International, in collaboration with 29 other associations representing higher education, previously released an argument submitted to the Supreme Court against this harmful Executive Order. The free and open expression and practice of faith is crucial in ensuring our colleges and universities maintain competitiveness in admissions of racially, ethnically, nationally, tribally, and religiously diverse and bright students from around the world.

Students and scholars from across the globe contribute greatly to the knowledge, research, economy, and social fabric of the United States. Such exchange can foster the development of intercultural competencies of U.S. students and can lead to innovation and scientific discoveries (e.g., Immigrants have been awarded 40% of the Nobel Prizes won by Americans in chemistry, medicine, and physics since 2000). International students, faculty, scholars, and their loved ones are directly affected by this decision, and the upheld Executive Order will have long-term consequences for all American colleges and universities.

The travel ban is an attack on the religious freedom and diversity protected in the United States Constitution, and it is a direct affront to our individual and collective humanity. We encourage ACPA members as well as all higher education and student affairs professionals to consider their role in protecting the rights and dignity of students from all religious, racial, ethnic, national, and indigenous backgrounds and cultures. We also urge our members and institutional partners to advocate for open exchange and the welfare of our international communities. ACPA commends institutions and individuals committed to this effort and continues to advocate against this measure by monitoring and disseminating knowledge and information to our members.

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