INTERLINK partner institutions are closely monitoring the implications of the January 27 Executive Order and will respond as needs indicate.
As ever, INTERLINK instructors sensitively and thoughtfully work with their students and welcome private or class discussion about their worlds, their perspectives, and their feelings. Directors and other center staff are prepared to listen closely to students and to respond actively to applicants. Similarly, alumni are urged to contact the director of the center they attended as they have need or have the ability to be helpful to students.
While INTERLINK partner universities are long attuned and responsive to the student experience, now their actions are heightened. University students, faculty, and administrators are taking steps to safeguard students’ rights, their privacy, and their well-being.
Statements to university communities have been made all across the United States. Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler’s January 30 letter to his university community is representative of hundreds. It is succinct, heartfelt, eloquent, and strong. INTERLINK applauds this statement and wishes to share it with all those believing in the family of humankind. With them, we are committed to the service of others wherever they may be in today’s increasingly interdependent world.
Ahad Shahbaz
President
INTERLINK Language Centers