After President Trump issued an executive order banning travelers from seven countries from entry to the United States for 90 days Friday, the IU Office of International Services sent all international students an email outlining what the new restrictions mean to students based on their nationalities.
Fifteen of the 24 IU athletic teams have international student athletes. As of each sport’s most recently updated roster on iuhoosiers.com, there are 53 international student-athletes from 20 different countries, but none of these athletes are from the seven countries — Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Libya, Sudan and Yemen — in Trump’s ban.
IU Athletics Director Fred Glass sent the following email to international student-athletes in addition to President Michael McRobbie’s statement:
“To our international students participating in intercollegiate Athletics:
I am reaching out directly to you during this uncertain and challenging time to make sure you know that you continue to be completely welcome here at Indiana University. Consistent with the tenants of The Spirit of Indiana: 24 Sports, One Team, we are committed to you and to diversity and inclusivity. Indiana University’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the context of international students and international engagement has been most recently set forth in the attached statement from President Michael A. McRobbie which I trust you will find both eloquent and reassuring.
If you have any specific concerns or questions regarding the potential impact of the recent Executive Order on Immigration, there are resources available at the Office of International Student Services. (Redacted) is who you should reach out to from that office for guidance and more information. You should also feel free to contact me or Associate Athletic Director Mattie White if you feel there might be anything we might help you with through the Athletic Department.
Since your decision to enroll at Indiana University, IU Athletics has considered you a ‘Hoosier for Life,’ and we will continue to support you in any way we can during these difficult times.”
Jamie Zega
