house resolution no.139

Reps. Love, Hammoud, Brixie, Whitsett, Anthony, Kennedy, Garza, Brenda Carter, Pagan, Manoogian, Cherry, Ellison, Wittenberg and Gay-Dagnogo offered the following resolution:

A resolution to encourage all of Michigan's public universities to enact welcoming policies and procedures for students from all over the world.

Whereas, Michigan colleges and universities should be welcoming places of learning for students from all over the world in order to promote a rich environment of cultural diversity. Learning with people from a variety of backgrounds allows free communication, encourages collaboration, and fosters innovation, thereby benefiting all students; and

Whereas, Through body of law, the Michigan Legislature has worked purposefully to ensure that government protects the rights and liberties guaranteed in our constitution and discourages the systematic violation of the rights of people in our state. Policies that contribute to community divisiveness by perpetuating negative and inaccurate stereotypes about immigrant communities and visitors do not reflect the cultural fabric of this state. Resistance against hatred, racism, and xenophobia is a constant battle from which we cannot retire; and

Whereas, An individual's right to privacy is protected by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Foreign students and staff should be allowed the right to work and study on college campuses in peace without release of their personal information or unwarranted searches by campus police in cooperation with federal immigration authorities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we encourage all of Michigan's public universities to enact welcoming policies and procedures for new students from all over the world; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Association of State Universities.