MARCH 2019 -- Manchester Student Senate approves “Refugees Welcome” Resolution
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The Manchester University Student Senate has approved a resolution supporting and welcoming refugees.
The resolution states in part that the student body of Manchester University welcomes refugees and declares its support for the resettlement of refugees “no matter their religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or country of origin, in northern Indiana and calls upon other Indiana communities to join them in supporting a stronger national effort to resettle the world’s most vulnerable refugees.”
The entire statement can be found here.
“Student Senate recognizes and understands the need for issues like this to be a part of our regular discourse, and action from us is required. We hope that the passing of this resolution shows that students at Manchester believe in creating a safe and respecting environment for all people,” said Gabby Anglin, Student Senate president.
After several decades of inactivity, Manchester again has an active chapter of Amnesty International. The reconstituted chapter this year so far worked for passage of the resolution through the Student Senate, conducted a Write4Rights campaign, and promoted more human rights-related advocacy on campus.
On March 1, peace studies students Virginia Rendler, Caraline Feairheller, Amy Weeks and Jesse Langdon presented a panel led by Peace Studies Coordinator Zander Willoughby titled “Using the Human Rights Framework to Create Change on Campus” at Amnesty International’s annual general meeting in Chicago.
"Beginning the Amnesty International Chapter at Manchester University was a natural step for Manchester Peace Studies. It combines advocacy and education with actions that students can participate in and make a difference,” said Rendler, Amnesty International Manchester Chapter president.
“The Refugees Welcome Resolution serves to uphold the Manchester University Mission Statement, and it makes our institution unique in Indiana for yet another reason. The relationship between Amnesty, Student Senate, Peace Studies, and other on-campus groups are relationships we hope to develop and foster over the next semester," she said.
About Manchester University
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition. Home to the world's oldest undergraduate peace studies program, it offers more than 70 areas of study, with a rich undergraduate liberal arts curriculum, two master's programs (athletic training and pharmacogenomics), a doctorate in pharmacy, a dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics, and customized corporate education programs. Its campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., serve more than 1,400 students. Learn more at www.manchester.edu.
Contacts:
Zander Willoughby, MU Peace Studies coordinator, ZEWilloughby@manchester.edu, 260-982-5108Kit O’Connor, I Welcome Campaign Organizer, Amnesty International US,KOconnor@aiusa.org, 802-578-2436