OTTAWA – Canada’s universities are deeply concerned about a new executive order issued in the United States Friday preventing individuals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. This action affects students, faculty and staff at Universities Canada’s 97 member universities.

The executive order restricting travel into the U.S. affects research partnerships, international studies, academic conference participation, field visits and in some cases family relationships of our university students, faculty and staff. The new order is having an impact on Canadian campuses and communities that is real, immediate and profound.

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities says the “ability of faculty to continue teaching or conducting research is uncertain” because of the order. Universities Canada supports the call from the American Association of Universities for this ban to “end as quickly as possible”.

Canada’s universities continue to welcome students, faculty and staff from around the world, including those seeking refuge from violence and hardship. They strengthen Canada’s university communities, bringing new knowledge, talent and skills to higher education, research and innovation – to the benefit of all Canadians.

We support Prime Minister Trudeau’s recent statement that Canada will continue to welcome those “fleeing persecution, terror and war” regardless of faith and affirming that “diversity is our strength”.

Universities Canada does not typically comment on executive action being taken by another country, but we do so today because of the real impediment this new executive order poses to the free flow of people and ideas and to the values of diversity, inclusion and openness that are hallmarks of a strong and healthy society.

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About Universities Canada

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Media contact:

Brenna Baggs

Communications manager

Universities Canada

bbaggs@univcan.ca

Tel: 613-563-1236 ext. 255