Fr. Curran issues statement in response to Trump’s executive order

Ryan Crawford, Staff Writer
January 30, 2017

The Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., president of Rockhurst University, issued a statement Monday afternoon in regards to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order that bans travel to the U.S. from seven different countries. All travelers (besides U.S. citizens) from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen are banned from entering the U.S. as a part of a 90-day program designed to review security and vetting procedures.

“The recent executive order issued by President Trump suspending entry to the United States by those from seven countries has left many people scared and confused,” Fr. Curran wrote in his statement emailed to students, faculty and staff.

“While border security is of great concern to our nation and an obligation of our government to its citizens, I hope we also recall the words of Pope Francis to a recent gathering of Jesuit alumni: ‘Remember that authentic hospitality is a profound gospel value that nurtures love and is our greatest security against hateful acts of terrorism.'”

Fr. Curran went on to write that Rockhurst is in unison with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and educational and religious leaders worldwide “in calling for thoughtful immigration policies that respect those of all faiths and nationalities.” The ACCU released a statement in “strong opposition” against the executive order signed by Trump.

Across the U.S., there have been protests against Trump’s executive order. Some Rockhurst students joined a group of protestors at Kansas City International Airport Sunday afternoon to denounce the president’s actions.

Fr. Curran wrote that any students who feel they might be affected by the order should contact the Office of Human Resources or the Dean of Students Office.