January 31, 2017 – On Monday, January 30, 2017, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health community gathered to address shifting policies in the early days of President Donald Trump’s administration. Students, faculty, and staff packed into Kresge G1 and discussed the impact of unfolding changes to immigration, health, climate, and economic policy that have important implications for the School’s work in public health.
The gathering took place in response to President Trump’s executive order on immigration, signed on January 27, which blocks citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days, suspends admission of all refugees for 120 days, and indefinitely bars refugees from Syria. The order also states that when refugee admissions are resumed, individuals who are of minority religions in their countries, and are making claims on the basis of religious persecution, will be prioritized.
During the meeting, School administrators outlined the steps they are taking to support and assist any students who have been affected by the executive order. In a statement, Michelle A. Williams, ScD ’91, Dean of Faculty, reaffirmed the School’s “clear and unwavering” support for its many international students and immigrants.
Photos: Sarah Sholes