Feb. 1, 2017 − As a student at Wofford, I’m reminded almost every day to appreciate the diversity of my community. I’m fortunate to attend a college that is home to students, faculty, staff and alumni from many different countries, religions and cultural backgrounds. I’m lucky that within my small college, there is a world of differing opinions and belief systems. I can go to a Black Student Alliance film screening and discussion panel. I can discuss politics with the College Republicans. I can try new food with the Hillel Jewish Student Organization. I can attend a Trump rally. I can attend a Bernie Sanders rally. I can participate in dialogues about pluralism with the Interfaith Youth Core. I can watch a presentation by the Gender Equality Committee. I can ask questions at a Muslim Student Alliance discussion. In just a week at Wofford, I can connect with more people, opinions and belief systems than I ever thought possible. This is only possible because of our community’s diversity and varied international perspectives – something that may be affected by a recent executive order.

Despite our differences – political, religious, cultural– we all share a common humanity. This common humanity is our love for our family and friends. It is our pain when our loved ones hurt. It is our concern in situations of injustice. It is our basic respect and compassion for human life. This common humanity is what President Samhat affirms in his recent statement regarding solidarity and welcoming at Wofford. In the aftermath of an executive decision that may have affected our peers, faculty and alumni and their family and friends, it makes perfect sense to assert Wofford’s commitment to inclusion and support for our community. As a community, we should offer empathy and understanding to one another in times of need, which is exactly what President Samhat does. He also confirms what we know to be true about Wofford – we welcome diversity because our excellence, character and leadership are not grounded in our country of origin or religion; we are a home to anyone motivated and willing to learn, serve and lead.

President Samhat’s message is not one of contempt for the president of the United States, nor is it one stifling free speech and healthy debate as some have claimed. In fact, he has shown full support for a variety of political events in the past year alone. In no way does he use his position to project his own views or political stance. Instead, he acknowledges the right of our nation to worry about national security, but joins the multitude of other leaders in higher education voicing concern for the impact this order’s implementation may have on academic institutions, including ours, across the nation.

Meghan Curran ’19