The following set of emails were sent to all Harvard Business School alumni today:

Dear HBS alumni/ae,

We are writing to share with you emails that have gone out to the HBS (below) and Harvard (see here) campus communities concerning President Trump's executive order restricting travel to the United States for citizens from seven selected countries and, specifically, targeting those of the Muslim faith.

The dampening effects of such a ban have become clear very quickly: students (including a number with citizenship from the listed countries) are questioning their career prospects and wondering whether their families will be able to join them for Commencement, faculty are debating whether they should travel to conduct their research and teaching, class visitors are cancelling their trips, alumni are uncertain whether to return to campus for reunions or other activities, and we are concerned that our executive programs — which comprise two-thirds international participants — could see declines in enrollment. Whatever the intention of the order, its implementation has led to disruption and fear, and it undercuts the very foundation of academic institutions like HBS.

Drew Faust, speaking for all of Harvard, has joined the Association of American Universities in issuing a statement outlining deep concern about the new executive order. Here on the HBS campus we will be meeting throughout the week to determine how best to support our community and to reaffirm our commitment to all of its members, whatever their nationality or belief.

We are grateful for the expressions of concern and support we have received and optimistic that, working together, we can protect the exchange of people and ideas that are so vital to the educational experience.

Best,
Nitin Nohria
Dean of the Faculty
George F. Baker Professor of Administration

Das Narayandas
Senior Associate Dean, External Relations and Harvard Business Publishing
Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration

Dear members of the HBS community,

As a first generation-immigrant to America, I have been distressed by the recent executive order restricting (re)entry to the U.S. for citizens of certain countries that is creating so much anxiety and confusion about how the country will deal with the flow of people through its borders.

I want to assure you that we are working as best we can to understand the implications for our community of this new order. We ask for your patience as we respond to a fluid and rapidly evolving situation. We know Harvard's International Office has reached out to international students and scholars, and Harvard's Global Support Services has provided a reminder about Harvard Travel Assist (see messages below). We hope to provide additional information shortly for those with questions about what the order will mean, both in the short and long term, for everything from careers post graduation for our students to faculty recruiting to our executive programs.

Harvard Business School, throughout its history, has welcomed students, faculty, and staff from every part of the world. We have thrived as a result of the international diversity of experiences, perspectives, and beliefs that come together in our classrooms and on our campus. Let's draw on this diversity in the days and weeks to come to determine what we as a community can do to make sure our voices and viewpoints are heard, and to support one another during difficult times.

Regards,

Nitin Nohria

Harvard International Office Message

To the international students and scholars from all parts of the world who have long demonstrated their dedication to educational advancement and the pursuit of knowledge, we share your concerns about the recently signed executive action regarding immigration. Offices across the University are closely monitoring the evolving situation.

On Friday the new administration issued an executive order that restricts entry, including reentry, into the U.S. for citizens and nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on both immigrant (permanent residence or green card) and non-immigrant visas. Foreign nationals from those countries should know that until further notice, whatever their visa or green card status, they most likely will not be readmitted into the United States if they travel abroad.

The executive order also contemplates that additional countries could be added to the banned list. Accordingly, until more information becomes available, and given the possibility of a change in government policy that could go into effect immediately, all foreign nationals should carefully assess whether it is worth the risk to travel outside the country.

If you travel abroad, we strongly advise you to enter your itinerary and contact information in the Harvard Travel Registry, which is managed by Harvard Global Support Services. Doing so expedites access to Harvard Travel Assist, their 24/7 global emergency response program. If you do travel abroad and are not permitted to return to the U.S., you should contact Harvard Travel Assist at +1-617-998-0000 or travelassist@harvard.edu to immediately notify the University.

The HIO is working with offices and key stakeholders throughout the University to offer resources and support and to advocate for the international students and scholars across the University who are important members of our community and who play a critical role in Harvard’s academic mission.

As we learn more, we will keep you informed and offer our guidance. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

http://www.hio.harvard.edu/contact-us

Harvard Global Support Services Message

Dear Harvard Traveler,

On Friday, January 27, the new administration issued an executive order that restricts entry, including reentry, into the U.S. for citizens and nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen on both immigrant visas (permanent residence or green card) and non-immigrant visas. Foreign nationals from those countries should know that until further notice, whatever their visa or green card status, they most likely will not be readmitted into the U.S. if they travel abroad. The executive order also contemplates that additional countries could be added to the banned list.

If you have questions or concerns about your ability to re-enter the U.S., or if you attempt to return to the U.S. and you are not permitted to do so, contact Harvard Travel Assist, our 24/7 international emergency response program at +1-617-998-0000 or travelassist@harvard.edu. Case managers will advise you accordingly and notify us immediately so that we can work with the appropriate departments to help you.

We're working with offices across the University to understand these evolving changes and advise and support our students, staff, and faculty. Please refer to the guidance on the Harvard International Office website and guidance on our Global Support Services website for more information. This is a very fluid situation, and we'll update our guidance as the situation develops.

For all of those in the Harvard community from all parts of the world who have long demonstrated their dedication to educational advancement and the pursuit of knowledge, we share your concerns about the executive order on immigration, and we're here to support you.

Sincerely,
Harvard Global Support Services

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