Dean Lester Tells Congress Immigration Order Should Be Rescinded

On February 14, Columbia Law School Dean Gillian Lester called for rescinding President Donald Trump’s executive order banning travel into the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries. “I believe that the purpose of the executive order, and the sweep of its scope, are anathema to our values holding that no member of our community should be subjected to fear, insecurity, or hostility due to discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, or national origin,” she said in a written statement delivered before congressional staffers via Skype. “Such action is deeply harmful to universities and students, as well as to civil society, and the executive order should be rescinded.”

Dean Lester’s remarks were part of a briefing for congressional staff organized by Amnesty International. Columbia Law School student Kate Berry and Human Rights Institute Fellow-in-Residence Waleed Alhariri also delivered written statements. 

Columbia has joined other leading universities in an amicus brief opposing the executive order. Trump’s immigration executive order, also referred to as a travel ban, has been the subject of multiple legal challenges. Recently a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling blocking key parts of the order.  

Read Dean Lester’s full remarks here:

Watch Dean Lester's remarks in this video. Her remarks begin at the 16 minute mark. 

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Posted February 16, 2017

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