Chair Talk 3.20-Possible Senate Resolutions
Chair Talk 3.20 Possible Senate Resolutions
Faculty Colleagues,
We are considering bringing the following resolutions to the Senate – but first I wanted to quickly survey faculty feelings about doing so. They are based on resolutions developed at another institution (FIU), but we decided there is no need to reinvent the wheel – these seem quite appropriate to us.
I understand that not very many of you respond to my Chair Talks, but I am asking this one time for a significant response. Please let me know how you feel about this – yea or nay! If there is a substantial no response we will not move forward, so those of you who agree with these resolutions need to speak up!
Lynn Nadel
nadel@u.arizona.edu
nadellynn@gmail.com
Resolution of Concern Regarding the Impact of Immigration Restrictions on the Ability to Pursue Scholarly Endeavors
Whereas the American university has a strong tradition of carrying out scholarly endeavors throughout the world; and,
Whereas the fruits of such endeavors have played major roles in enabling the United States to better understand the cultures of the world’s countries and thus more effectively compete economically in the international arena; and,
Whereas the scholarship carried out by American academics in various parts of the world enriches not only America’s university students but the entirety of American society; and,
Whereas the increasing controversy surrounding both the development of new policy in the area of immigration and related matters has given rise to growing anti-American attitudes which create a highly hostile environment for the conduct of academic endeavors overseas; therefore
Be it resolved that the University of Arizona Faculty Senate expresses its very grave concern that these public policies create a highly hostile environment for the carrying out of future scholarly endeavors outside of the United States and for the safety of those engaged in such endeavors.”
Resolution Regarding the Importance of Immigration to American Higher Education
Whereas the United States as a country has historically been both a beacon and a refuge for immigrants who have sought both to leave behind conflict situations and, more generally, to pursue the many opportunities provided by this great country; and,
Whereas during the course of the twentieth century many of the country’s leading scientists and researchers, individuals who have brought great distinction to American universities, were themselves individuals who had fled oppression and violence in their homelands; and,
Whereas these refugees, and other immigrants who came to the United States from less fraught situations, made major contributions to American higher education and to the nation’s cultural and intellectual life, as well as to America’s economic and military security; therefore,
Be it resolved that the University of Arizona Faculty Senate urges the Congress and President of the United States to recognize that in either limiting or denying access to individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States, and especially those fleeing violence and oppression, we are very likely undermining the future economic, scientific, technological and military strength of the country.”