January 31, 2017 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUNY SA Contact: Tyler McNeil, tyler.mcneil@sunysa.org
CUNY USS Contact: Donavan Borington, donavan.borington@uss.cuny.edu
SUNY Student Assembly President Marc. J. Cohen and CUNY University Student Senate Chairperson Chikaodili Onyejiukwa reaffirm their systems’ commitment to social justice and equality and call on students to speak out on the President Trump’s Executive Order, “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.”
“On behalf of the 1.2 million students who attend the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY), we, the duly elected students representatives of our respective student bodies, are calling on our elected officials to take action against the discriminatory Executive Order issued by the President of the United States.
“CUNY was created out of a strong commitment to the unique needs of a diverse urban constituency comprised of individuals from across the world looking to enhance their knowledge and experience through higher education. SUNY rests on a foundation of commitment to opportunity and access, and was designed to meet the diverse needs across a vast geographic landscape.
“Our organizations will be sharing in a ‘Call to Congress’ day occurring Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Our federal officials need to hear how directly this issue affects our students.
“We have the responsibility to act on behalf of those who cannot act for themselves. We have the responsibility to come together and stand in solidarity with our colleagues looking to pursue their education in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments. We, along with our dedicated student leaders, are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we will stand up for justice and equality, and for the most fundamental freedoms that define American greatness.”
About the SUNY Student Assembly
The Student Assembly of the State University of New York (SUNY SA) is the recognized student government organization representing the nearly 600,000 students of the State University of New York. Comprised of student leaders elected by their peers from across SUNY’s 64 campuses, SUNY SA is committed to empowering students throughout the state, and ensuring the representation of its members on the state and national level, as well as throughout the SUNY system. Visit sunysa.org to learn more about the Student Assembly.
About the CUNY University Student Senate
The University Student Senate (USS) of the City University of New York (CUNY) is the official representative governance organization of the 500,000 students at CUNY. Founded in 1972, USS is responsible for preserving the accessibility, affordability, and excellence of higher education within the City of New York. Learn more at www.cunyuss.org