A Message from Kean University President Lamont Repollet, Ed.D.

This week, news shook the American higher education community as the federal government released guidance that has the potential to cause great harm and inequity to this country’s international student population. A new directive would force international students to return home if they take only online courses at an American university this Fall. This can only be described as a reckless injustice toward these valued members of our community.

I want to be clear that Kean University will work to protect and defend ALL its students through advocacy with our sister institutions and by ensuring that our course offerings can accommodate our students’ needs to continue their Kean University education toward timely completion. Today, along with many of my fellow presidents of New Jersey's public universities, I spoke with U.S. Senator Cory Booker about the harmful nature of this guidance and steps we can take to minimize its impact.

As a proud multicultural University whose mission is to provide access to a world-class education, we have seen firsthand the extraordinary value of cross-cultural learning on all our campuses. Our commitment to diversity, inclusivity and fairness for all Kean students stands stronger than ever during times of challenge. This unfortunate moment is no exception.