Related Content Resources for LC International Students and Scholars

Dear Members of the Lewis & Clark Community:

I write to express support for all of you, particularly those members of our community who are not U.S. citizens. The Trump administration’s order banning the entry of foreign nationals from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Libya will create significant problems for some faculty, staff, and students, as well as for their families.

Such actions will have no impact, however, on the love, respect, and support we have for each and every member of this community. You are welcome here. We pledge our support and we do not want you to leave. You enrich our lives and we humbly hope to enrich yours in return.

In the chaos created by this executive order, one that is receiving and will continue to receive serious judicial challenges regarding its legality and motivation, we will continue to work to ensure that Lewis & Clark is a safe place for all.

All international community members should carefully examine travel restrictions before leaving the United States. We are examining our overseas study programs, but our preliminary belief is that no students, faculty, or staff from any of the seven countries are currently overseas on any of our programs. Of course, for the duration of the ban, students, faculty, and staff from any of the seven affected countries should understand that if they leave the United States, whether on one of our programs or otherwise, they will not be allowed to return until the ban is lifted. There continues to be confusion regarding whether this includes green card holders.

I have asked Dean Anna Gonzalez and Associate Dean Brian White to collect and organize resources for affected community members. And our counseling, ombuds, and spiritual life staff are available to provide support. Our Ombudsperson Valerie White can be reached at 503-768-7336, and Mark Duntley from the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is at 503-768-7082. Students, please note that the Counseling Service has modified its walk-in hours this semester. Those walk-in hours are Tuesdays (in the Odell Health Promotion suite) and Thursdays (in the Templeton Counseling Service) from 2-3:30 p.m. Assessments are also available by appointment (call 503-768-7160), and students in crisis will be seen as soon as possible. Anytime the Counseling Service is closed, students can reach a crisis counselor by calling 503-265-7804. Faculty and staff may contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-433-2320.

Please, everyone, reach out to our international friends. Let them know how much our community cares for them and their safety. Together we will fight bigotry, stand for respect, and open our homes and hearts in support of every member of the Lewis & Clark community. We have much to be proud of; let’s add to that list the way we care for and support our international friends.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend a gathering of support for those in our community affected by the recent executive order on immigration. It will be held in Smith Hall on Tuesday, January 31, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Thank you,

David Ellis

Interim President