Last week, Chancellor Syverud expressed support for those in the Syracuse community affected by the draconian executive order halting the refugee program and revoking visas for nationals of seven predominantly Muslim countries.

But concern is no longer enough. We, as alumni and concerned members of the Syracuse community, request the University firmly condemn the ban.

Syracuse University considers itself an anchor institution in a city of refugees. It is an institution that prides itself on training the next generation of diplomats and communicators. SU cannot afford the silencing of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somali, Sudanese, Syrian, and Yemeni voices from its halls — nor should it deprive the larger student body of the chance to work with them. And it should send a clear message of support to the larger Syracuse Community.

When faced with an assault on the values of our community — on our current students, even — we expect Syracuse University to be a leader. Chancellor Syverud, who sits on the Department of Homeland Security’s Academic Advisory Council, has released a statement of support for students, one that we as alumni were proud to see and to read. But now, our students need more than a list of resources. They need to know that their university stands behind them and will stand up for them. They need and deserve for the university to issue a letter of condemnation on this executive order.

We, the undersigned alumni and community members, request the University will issue just such a letter of condemnation. We hope the university will live up to the standard it expected of us: to speak up and speak out in defense of the truths our community and country hold self-evident.