President Donald Trump’s travel ban on Jan. 27 has sparked protests and a lot of discussion in all corners of the United States, including the student press. Here’s what college students around the country have had to say on the topic.
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, Jan. 31
As people who have the privilege of higher education, we can examine the U.S. historically and understand the context of this [travel] ban and the proposed wall [between the U.S. and Mexico]. We have a responsibility to ask: How has our nation, even before Trump, allowed othering to thrive? How is hatred woven into this nation’s history, and how did we create an environment in which such policies can exist?
The State News, Michigan State University, Feb. 7
Thousands took to the streets to protest what many proclaimed was a euphemism for a ban on Muslims. Here at MSU, the university decided only to follow regulation and code, instead of taking a stand to be more, to do more. …
President Lou Anna K. Simon’s statement following the ban was little more than a regurgitation of the university’s principles devoid of any strong condemnation of an ignorant, futile ban. The university could have taken a firm stance against the [Trump] administration in a time of uncertainty, with many looking for America’s proud institutions to keep a bumbling administration in check.
The State News will continue to stand with students of all backgrounds it serves and without question condemns Trump’s ban as puerile, ignorant and against the very values America holds dear.
Northern Star, Northern Illinois University, Feb. 6
Fill in the blank: The immigration ban is ______________
The ban is a selfish move because he did not ban countries that it would make sense to restrict access from, such as Saudi Arabia, the origin of the majority of the 9/11 terrorists. This act that shows much of the presidency could be used for personal gain for Trump and not to help America. …
The immigration ban is unprofessional. … The U.S. has become a country of entrepreneurship and progressive thinking; however, these ideals are being devalued with a president that is acting unprofessionally. The president is not accurately representing the thoughts of his people in a company he is not the founder of. …
The immigration ban is the by-product of electing an ill-informed xenophobe to the White House.
Daily Emerald, University of Oregon, Feb. 5
Trump’s order to bar citizens from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Libya and Sudan was made with the intention to help protect Americans from terrorists. Instead, it kicks around Muslims who do not have the bureaucratic representation to kick back. …
Donald Trump’s refugee ban and travel restrictions go against the very idea that this country was founded upon. This country was built by immigrants. It was built by dreamers who left their home to make a better life in America. It was built by refugees who feared their own war-torn nation and looked to America for solidarity and acceptance. We’re supposed to be the melting pot. We’re supposed to be the land of opportunity and prosperity.
Currently, we are the land of cowards.
The Collegian, Kansas State University, Feb. 1
Keeping a promise made on the campaign trail isn’t worth much when the policy put forward is unconstitutional. … Yet even more telling that this ban is unconstitutional is the recent firing of Attorney General Sally Yates for telling the Justice Department not to defend Trump’s ban over doubts of its constitutionality. Within the first two weeks of this new administration, we may be witnessing a constitutional crisis.