Statement of Support for International Students
We welcomed students from 59 countries last fall. These students contribute to the student body and our mission in immeasurable ways. Their talents, experiences and perspectives broaden the worldview of not just other students but also our faculty and staff. Ultimately, JBU is better because of the presence of our international students.
We are opposed to the recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in regard to the educational requirements for international students during COVID-19. JBU plans to be open for face-to-face education in the fall. However, among other rules, if JBU has to transition to remote education during the semester because of legitimate health concerns, the changes would force F-1 and M-1 students to leave the country or transfer to an institution offering face-to-face classes, both of which would greatly disrupt the student’s education. JBU would be in the best position to serve these students, both in terms of housing and education as we did last spring when we had to move to remote education but continued to house and educate many of our international students.
As a board member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, President Pollard is actively engaged with the CCCU in lobbying for changes to these new policies to protect our international students and their education. Many other educational organizations across the U.S. are doing the same.
We ask that you join us in prayer for these efforts and for the many challenges our international students are facing in securing visas and arranging travel to return in the fall.
