Monday, Jul 13, 2020
Policy would bar international students from U.S.
Rider University President Dr. Gregory G. Dell’Omo announced today, July 13, that the University has joined New York University and a number of other institutions in signing an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit filed by Harvard University and MIT against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, which would prohibit international students from coming to or staying in the United States if they attend a school that offers only online courses during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Rider University welcomes students from around the world who seek to be educated and supported as active members of our inclusive and vibrant living and learning community,” President Dell’Omo said. “These rules, abruptly issued during a worldwide health pandemic, are troublesome to all international students as institutions of higher education move to modes of instruction that are aimed at keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
Dell’Omo added, “We are proud to stand with other institutions of higher education all across this country in our steadfast support of international students. As an inclusive community, these rules are inconsistent with Rider’s core values.”
Harvard and MIT filed the lawsuit in Federal District Court in Boston on July 8. The first hearing for the suit, which seeks a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order, is expected to take place Tuesday, July 14. The amicus brief which Rider joined was filed by the Proskauer law firm today.
Rider University announced its Resolved and Ready plan for the fall semester in June, which allows for both in-person and remote instruction.
Dell’Omo said, “Our plan ensures the highest level of academic instruction while also working to protect the health and safety of Rider’s campus community. While we await the outcome of this lawsuit, we will continue working closely with our international students to ensure they are able to register for in-person courses under our hybrid model and therefore be in compliance with these new rules.”
“Our international students have our full support,” he added. “Every student at Rider enriches our community in countless ways.”
More information on Rider’s Resolved and Ready plan can be found at www.rider.edu/resolved-and-ready.