Dear SMHS Community,
Last Friday, the President of the United States issued an executive order (EO) to restrict individuals from seven countries from coming into the United States. This EO has the potential to have a profound effect on the daily workings of our school and university, as it would impede our ability to draw upon the depth of cultural and intellectual diversity we've grown to depend upon. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences values and supports all members of our diverse community and the contributions they make to our mission. To reinforce President Knapp's statement of concern I urge GW students and all members of our community to continue to respect our differences, maintain civility, and celebrate our diversity.
As expressed in this same statement, travel at this time for some members of our community might be risky for the foreseeable future, as readmission into the U.S. may be denied for individuals from the listed countries. This includes not only foreign nationals on student or scholar non-immigrant visas, but also dual citizens and possibly permanent residents (green card holders), even if they currently hold a valid visa.
As the University President stated, there are many questions that we do not yet have answers to, but we will work with those affected and support their academic and professional pursuits to the best of our ability, as we continue to monitor developments. Please also note the GW Principles of Support for Undocumented Students, sent out in December 2016, expressing GW's strong commitment to the health and safety of all of our students.
We will be sending out additional information as it becomes available - to all groups, including our residency training and fellowship directors, program directors, and SMHS academic leadership. You may also contact Dean Huda Ayas for more information at 202-994-2796 or hayas [at] gwu [dot] edu (hayas[at]gwu[dot]edu), and you can contact the International Services Office to be included in future communications on this topic.
As a globally recognized academic medical center we are committed to a diverse student body, faculty, and workforce whose collective efforts support the mission of the school and our academic partners.
Regards,
Jeffrey S. Akman, M.D. Vice President for Health Affairs Walter A. Bloedorn Professor of Administrative Medicine and Dean, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
