We, at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, stand in solidarity with those impacted by the travel ban in the U.S., and with the Muslim community at UBC and beyond during this difficult time. Our research and relationships span the globe and recent events impact the freedom of our faculty, staff and students to travel abroad for purposes of scholarship and study, and upon our ability to welcome the most talented individuals from around the world to UBC.
“UBC celebrates diversity in all its forms, and is committed to providing an inclusive campus environment for everyone, regardless of religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or racial or ethnic background. These are fundamental Canadian – and human – values and therefore, we stand in solidarity with members of the Muslim community.”
UBC has established a task force to determine what assistance the university can offer those affected by the U.S. Executive Order preventing individuals from seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. The task force is headed by Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President International pro tem Pam Ratner and encompasses key support units from both campuses, including Human Resources, the International Office, Go Global, Government Relations, Student Development and Services, and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Learn more on the Office of the President website.
The recent attack at a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday was a tragic and shocking event. UBC condemns violence against Muslims. Read the official statement from UBC’s Office of the President and a list of campus resources on the Office of the President’s website.
The UBC Alma Mater and Graduate Student societies issued a joint statement condemning the executive order, while expressing condolences to those targeted in a shooting at a Quebec mosque Sunday. Both societies said they stand in solidarity with members of the Muslim community. “The AMS and GSS remain committed to building a diverse community within and outside the university, where students feel safe and have room for self-expression and participation without fear,” the statement said. “We are currently working with the UBC administration to assess the impact of these recent events on UBC students.”
Get Involved
Join UBC students, faculty and staff at noon this Friday, February 3rd at St. John’s College, UBC Vancouver, for a discussion that: connects the ‘Muslim Ban,’ the Keystone XL/ Dakota Access Pipelines, and Standing Rock; situates the Executive Order historically; reflects on how the ban will affect Muslims in the identified countries and beyond, and discusses the global rise of Islamophobia. Learn more here.
In Vancouver, join Love Over Fear: Rally against Islamophobia this Saturday, February 4th from 6:30 – 9:00 PM at Jack Poole Plaza.
Resources
Learn more about the efforts on campus to address the global refugee crisis, including our recent “Breaking the Cycle” symposium and The Consul opera and art exhibit at UBC.
Ways to Give Back
UBC Refugee Relief is a group of students and staff from UBC fundraising to provide financial support for a family of ten Syrian refugees to settle in Vancouver. They hope to continue their work and sponsor four young Syrians to Canada. UBC Refugee Relief hopes to raise enough money to offer them the stability and safety that they deserve. A fundraising gala and auction will be held in the Nest Grand Ballroom the evening of Saturday, April 1st so mark your calendars and join them! More details on the fundraising efforts may be found here.
For those seeking to support refugees to settle into their new communities locally, the Metro Vancouver Refugee Response Team has a useful website that provides a great list of places and ways to donate or provide assistance in Metro Vancouver.
MOSAIC’s Refugee Settlement Support Projects connects refugees with private sponsors, welcoming refugees at the airport, providing orientation to private sponsors and privately sponsored refugees, and supporting the settlement of refugees in Metro Vancouver.
