Dean Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity in Face of Immigration Ban

Dear RSDM Community,

During this time of upheaval and uncertainty following President Trump’s immigration and re-entry ban, I want to reaffirm our commitment to diversity and civil rights.

Dean Cecile A. Feldman

Rutgers is one of the nation’s most diverse academic institutions, and the School of Dental Medicine is no exception. The fact that many of our students and faculty are from outside the U.S. is a source of great strength. We value the broad range of perspectives, experiences and knowledge they bring to RSDM. They enrich the field of health care locally and globally ­— and they are an asset to our nation. We want to do all we can to support their work and education in the U.S.

As RBHS Chancellor Brian Strom stated yesterday, “As a community of scientists and health care professionals, we at RBHS regularly engage with international colleagues to explore innovative pathways to discovery … and provide clinical care to our patients…Healthcare itself is being increasingly viewed through a lens which embraces a truly global field of vision.”

President Trump’s executive order in part bars entry or re-entry to the United States of all citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.  Rutgers University President Robert Barchi noted earlier this week that this ban has had a “chilling effect” on Rutgers’ Muslim community and “despite claims to the contrary, this order appears to unduly target Muslims and to prey upon unfounded fears.’’ But he vowed, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the privacy of our student records and to provide a safe place for our entire community.”

We share the same commitment at RSDM and join President Barchi and others leaders at Rutgers in urging our community to work with political leaders to “push back on immigration policies—and, indeed, all policies—that are counter to the spirit and vitality of higher education and research.”

Rutgers has resources available to students, scholars, faculty and staff who are considering travel abroad. Rutgers Center for Global Services offers a range of services designed to advise, counsel and help protect members of our community. Rutgers Immigrant Rights Clinic (973-353-5292) can confidentially answer questions regarding immigration law or other related concerns.

RSDM students are also encouraged to contact Dr. Herminio Perez, Director of Student and Multicultural Affairs with questions and concerns. Staff and faculty may reach out to Andrea West, Chief Operating Officer.

Sincerely,

Cecile A. Feldman, DMD

Dean, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine