These principles of freedom are worth the fight by universities – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

I am writing to express my support for the 50 members of the Faculty and Staff Social Justice Association at Duquesne University for their efforts to protect students by urging that the school become a sanctuary campus.Freedom of expression and right to protest are hallmarks of our democracy. This free exchange of ideas is particularly important in academic settings. I applaud the faculty members for taking this strong and righteous position against the new administration in Washington over its threats and inequitable policies against immigrant students.

While I very much respect Duquesne Universitys president and understand why he has taken a neutral stance on the sanctuary campus issue, I would urge the university to join other schools and academic leaders across the state and nation who have taken a stance in support of all their students against these shortsighted immigration policies.

Whether these students are documented immigrants or not, I do not see the point in disrupting their lives and educational pursuits. In seeking a college education, they are positioning themselves to have a positive and constructive impact on our country and its future.

I would emphasize that many police officers and law enforcement leaders across the nation have also expressed opposition to President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. Yet another unfunded federal mandate, these proposals would only add additional enforcement and detention costs and responsibilities for local police departments stretching limited resources and placing additional financial burdens on local taxpayers. This repressive policy would also discourage immigrant populations from reporting crimes and cooperating with police officers.

I salute Duquesnes faculty members for supporting their students and urge the schools administration to bolster this ethical and principled position with full institutional support.

SEN. WAYNE D. FONTANA Brookline

The writer represents the states 42nd Senatorial District.

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These principles of freedom are worth the fight by universities - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette