01/31/2017
Thank you Dr. Robertson for so eloquently writing OHSU's view on the latest U.S. immigration changes . If you have not yet read Dr. Robertson's comments - please take a minute and read the following :
Last week’s executive order on immigration has created apprehension and uncertainty in the OHSU community and in the communities we serve. I want to reiterate something I have said a number of times recently: all are welcome at OHSU. This is our stance, and we will not waver.
If you are an employee, student, trainee or visitor and have concerns about the new federal policy, please reach out to OHSU’s Office of International Affairs/Department of Immigration Services for advice and assistance. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is also available to provide support.
Restrictions on travel and immigration are creating a climate of fear that is toxic even for those not directly impacted. All of us in academia have international friends, family members, colleagues or collaborators who may be affected, or who may feel they are next. We value all, regardless of race, ethnicity and/or nationality. We also value a free exchange of ideas, made stronger by the inclusion of diverse perspectives representing many cultures and creeds. OHSU is aligned with the Association of American Universities in supporting immigration policies that “prevent entry by those who wish to harm us, while maintaining the flow of talent that has contributed so much to our nation.”
At its heart, OHSU is a people organization. We are a group of diverse, talented and committed individuals working towards a common mission. To further our work, we recruit from every corner of the globe. We seek the best minds to wrestle with the toughest problems and we do so for the benefit of humanity. In our efforts to end cancer, stop HIV, beat heart disease, transform brain health, end blindness and treat kids and families, we cannot afford to ignore the contributions of any individual, no matter where he or she is from, no matter the color of their skin or what religion they practice. We recruit on a global scale. We partner on a global scale. We compete on a global scale, and we serve on a global scale.
Please be assured that OHSU will continue to monitor this situation closely and take appropriate action to protect faculty, staff, students, trainees and visitors. In the meantime, please know that while we are duty bound to follow the law, OHSU will not facilitate or cooperate with immigration enforcement activities. We will not share with the federal government confidential student, patient or employee information related to immigration status. The OHSU Department of Public Safety will not act on behalf of the federal government to enforce immigration laws.
If you feel targeted or vulnerable in this moment, please know that we stand with you. We welcome you, we respect you, we value you. Thank you for everything you do for OHSU.
Joseph E. Robertson, Jr., M.D., M.B.A.
OHSU President
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32 Comments
Posted by: Kelsey Huwaldt in -Joe Robertson
On: Monday, January 30, 2017
Tags: directline
Comments
gardioln on January 30th, 2017 at 3:40 pm said:
I love this!
hartmana on January 30th, 2017 at 3:45 pm said:
Sanctuary Hospital – as it should be
kahnj on January 30th, 2017 at 3:45 pm said:
Thank you. Beautifully said.
steygerp on January 30th, 2017 at 3:46 pm said:
Thank you, President Robinson and OHSU.
This support is much needed for employees and their families affected directly and indirectly by this Executive Order.
Your support is very much appreciated as we adjust to the changing circumstances.
Peter
girgenti on January 30th, 2017 at 3:47 pm said:
Very powerful words, thank you Dr. Robertson and everyone at OHSU. I stand with you!
dixonan on January 30th, 2017 at 3:47 pm said:
This is so important. Thank you for taking a stand and sharing this. It makes me proud to work at OHSU. I am frightened for our immigrants and refugees and I too stand with them.
Angie Dixon
Liver Transplant Social Worker
gatesc on January 30th, 2017 at 3:48 pm said:
Thank you. We’re all in this together!
carhuaz on January 30th, 2017 at 3:52 pm said:
Thank you for this. We are indeed a diverse group at OHSU. We live in tough times and we fear for our neighbors & colleagues and maybe even for ourselves. Again, thank you for this letter.
Mo on January 30th, 2017 at 3:56 pm said:
Thank you very much for the reiteration of the message and the commitment to inclusion, Dr. Robertson.
harringj on January 30th, 2017 at 4:06 pm said:
Thank you so much for this, Dr. Robertson. You make me proud to be part of OHSU.
penkin on January 30th, 2017 at 4:11 pm said:
Thank you for your voice of reason during these extremely unreasonable times.
avalon on January 30th, 2017 at 4:24 pm said:
Today, I feel proud to work for OHSU. I stand with my organization and pledge do my part to support and protect all of the members of our community.
I am thinking also of the line, “we are duty bound to follow the law.” If the law were changed to remove the basic privacy protections we currently have in place surrounding immigration status, it is my hope that OHSU will stay the course and continue to keep this information secure and out of the hands of the feds.
kirker on January 30th, 2017 at 4:25 pm said:
Thanks so much for this!
Does this mean OHSU will always offer financial discounts based on income and related criteria – regardless of documentation status so that we can always be a place of access to quality care and hope?
fosterde on January 30th, 2017 at 5:23 pm said:
Thank you for sending this. I am proud to work for an organization that values people.
willmark on January 30th, 2017 at 6:21 pm said:
Well done!
–Mark Williams
coopeca on January 30th, 2017 at 6:34 pm said:
My hire date was 01/23/2017…just one week ago! Your notification to all OHSU employees and students makes me SO proud to be associated with organization! When I think of the definition of honorable, you will now come to mind. Thank you, Dr. Robertson.
chitty on January 30th, 2017 at 9:52 pm said:
Thank you. Should people need me to stand with and/or for them at OHSU, I am happy to be there for them. I think many of us here feel that way. Lot’s of love to all.
nielsena on January 31st, 2017 at 5:47 am said:
Thank you for this message, Dr. Roberston. I stand with the OHSU community in this commitment.
hoganc on January 31st, 2017 at 7:17 am said:
It’s comforting to know that OHSU stands with the American people, in all its diversity. I am grateful to be working at an institution that strives to embrace all walks of life. Thank you Dr. Robertson.
robeyin on January 31st, 2017 at 7:23 am said:
Proud to be part of an organization that stands for inclusion, diversity and non-discrimination. Thank you for your words. We are all in this together.
murphye on January 31st, 2017 at 7:26 am said:
Like everyone else that has commented here, I am so proud of OHSU. Let’s show the world what we’re made of!
Mo on January 31st, 2017 at 8:01 am said:
Each morning I wake up and feel proud being an OHSUer.
One minor request: is there any way that we can see this message and statement reinforced for years to come–not just in light of what happened last weekend (with the draconian executive order)? I would love to see/read profiles and stories of OHSU folks with immigrant backgrounds–from across various missions and roles–who embody what it means to be part of the community. We are richer as an organization because of our diversity.
timbergj on January 31st, 2017 at 9:09 am said:
I think this is a wonderful message, but should be shared with the wider community. OHSU should advertise to all of Oregon our commitment to honor diversity.
eys on January 31st, 2017 at 9:19 am said:
Dear Dr. Robertson,
Thank you for capturing with your brave, thoughtful and inspiring message to our community what OHSU is all about. I hope that each of us will find a way every day to reach out to patients, staff, families, trainees, faculty and promote this level of respect, caring, safety, and community.
Sydney Ey, Resident and Faculty Wellness
Kelsey Huwaldt on January 31st, 2017 at 9:31 am said:
timberj: Great news, it’s also available on the news hub if you’d like to share with your friends/loved ones, and the media team has shared it with several news outlets.
mitchelm on January 31st, 2017 at 10:11 am said:
We must all stand together! Thank you!
nethongk on January 31st, 2017 at 10:12 am said:
I appreciate this. Thank you so much. Together is greater!
derienzo on January 31st, 2017 at 10:26 am said:
Thank you Dr. Robertson and OHSU!
cassidyp on January 31st, 2017 at 10:35 am said:
Here here!
banchero on January 31st, 2017 at 11:48 am said:
Thank you so much for that message
morganf on January 31st, 2017 at 12:03 pm said:
How enlightening! To hear that leadership at OHSU is willing to stand up and publicly proclaim that they do not believe and share views with the federal government on this topic. It is very encouraging to read the messages from Dr. Robertson. We ALL need to hear and be reminded that we are in this together. Thanks for taking the lead.
compton on January 31st, 2017 at 1:37 pm said:
This is why I feel so fortunate to be a part of the OHSU community!
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