The Network for Public Education calls for an immediate revocation of Trump’s selective ban on immigration.
Kew Gardens, N.Y.–The Network for Public Education calls upon Donald Trump to immediately revoke his executive order that imposes a ban on immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries while establishing preferential treatment for religious minorities. This is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
NPE President Diane Ravitch had the following to say regarding the order: “Trump’s blanket ban on immigrants and visitors from certain countries should be declared unconstitutional. It has already been enjoined by a federal judge as it unfairly excludes people without cause, even if they have legal visas, including those reuniting with their families and those who are scholars and students. None of the countries on Trump’s list produced the 9/11 terrorists. This is an irrational and unjust policy. We are indeed fortunate to have a Constitution and federal judges prepared to enforce it.”
Yohuru Williams, a member of the NPE Board of Directors and Professor of History at Fairfield University adds, ” This order by Donald Trump is a betrayal of core American values. Never mind the clear bigoted overtones of this action—this is a slippery slope. In my opinion, given the erratic and autocratic actions of Trump, I believe the targeting of these seven nations named are just the start.”
NPE Board member, Professor Julian Vasquez Heilig, described the ban as “morally bankrupt” and “unconstitutional.” “Ironically Trump’s executive order instituting a religious test is in conflict with biblical teachings as found in Leviticus 19:33-34. It is also in conflict with the constitutional principles that our nation was founded on.”
Although NPE is relieved by the court order for a temporary stay, the long-term solution is the revocation of the order. NPE is deeply concerned for the detainees and their families. We are also concerned about the effects the order will have on American students.
According to former principal, now NPE Executive Director Carol Burris, “Children learn best when they feel safe. Unfortunately, teachers across the nation are reporting that students, especially immigrant students, are expressing worry and stress due to anti-immigration rhetoric. This order will only exacerbate those feelings of anxiety.”
About the Network for Public Education
The Network for Public Education (NPE) was founded in 2013 by Diane Ravitch and Anthony Cody. We are an advocacy group whose mission is to protect, preserve, promote, and strengthen public schools for both current and future generations of students. NPE has over 300,000 supporting members nationwide. For more information, please visit: networkforpubliceducation.org.
For Immediate Release: January 29, 2017
Media Contact: Carol Burris 718-577-3276
cb*****@ne***********************.org
