The following is a statement from Association of American Universities President Barbara R. Snyder about President Joe Biden’s first actions in office:
We applaud the Biden administration for immediately moving forward to make America a stronger, more inclusive, and more competitive country. We are particularly heartened by the administration’s comprehensive plan to overhaul our nation’s broken immigration system.
Over the last four years we have seen repeated, partisan, and increasingly disturbing attacks on young undocumented immigrants, many of whom are students, scholars, and scientists at America’s leading research universities who make invaluable contributions to science, our economy, and our communities. We are pleased that President Biden has proposed a path for the best and brightest from around the world to stay and continue to contribute to our nation after finishing their graduate studies in the United States.
AAU is also delighted to support the administration’s many other laudable actions to advance education, scientific research, and public health, including: an extension of student loan payment relief; protections against workplace discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation; a repeal of the executive order prohibiting or limiting diversity and inclusion training by federal contractors and grantees; designating the ongoing climate crisis as a national emergency; and establishing a federal mask mandate.
President Biden’s quick actions will move our nation forward, help heal the divisions of the past, and make us a more prosperous and welcoming country.
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Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 65 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.