Members of the Lehigh University community and the public joined together Tuesday on the university's front lawn in a show of support for those affected by the recent presidential order that restricts residents from certain countries from entering the United States.

Lehigh student Katie Morris ’18, a global studies and journalism major, said she organized the rally in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order barring individuals from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S.

“The message we want students to hear is that the Lehigh community loves and supports them regardless of any executive order,” said Morris, who also runs the student club No Lost Generation, which aims to support refugees and migrants. “We also want to educate students on the resources available on campus for them if they are being affected by this order or if they simply want to get involved.”

About 300 people attended the event, which featured both scheduled speakers and students who stepped up to share their stories.

“This rally proves that Lehigh is not afraid to love bravely,” said Juan Palacio Moreno, a Lehigh University master’s degree student in the politics and policy program, who shared his story of coming to the United States with his mother 16 years ago as a refugee from Columbia.

Lehigh’s Global Union President, Matt Cossel ’17, discussed the importance of the Global Union, a coalition of more than 50 student clubs and organizations that promote global awareness and cultural understanding on campus and in the community.

“Lehigh supports all of our students here regardless of where they are from or where their families are from,” said Cossel, a global studies major.

“We are a welcoming space for all of our community members,” added Sarah Stanlick, director of Lehigh’s Center for Community Engagement. “Every single one.”

Morris said with news of the executive order, the No Lost Generation club wanted to do its part by organizing the rally, which came together in three days and was promoted through social media.

Trump signed the executive order on Jan. 27, 2017 temporarily suspending immigration to the U.S. for citizens of seven countries for 90 days. In an email message sent on Monday to Lehigh students, faculty and staff, President John D. Simon, Provost Patrick Farrell and Vice President of Finance and Administration Patricia A. Johnson affirmed the university’s support for all members of its community and offered resources for those who might be affected by the order.

“The free flow of students and scholars across borders is essential to the scholarly activity of our university, and international engagement remains an integral component of our mission of teaching, research and service,” the email stated. “Lehigh is committed to attracting and retaining the best students and scholars from all over the world, and our academic community has grown and thrived as a result.”

Lehigh has about 1,800 international students; 55 are from countries affected by the order.

At the rally Tuesday, Lehigh’s Student Affairs Community Service Office provided hot chocolate as participants gathered in near-freezing temperatures.

Samba Dieng, who recently came to Lehigh as director of the Office of International Students and Scholars in the Office of International Affairs, said that as a new member of the Lehigh community, “it is refreshing to see how the rally exemplifies and justifies our commitment to inclusive excellence.”

Story by Alex DiBrigida