On Thursday evening, St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan sent out a campus-wide email titled “UST Statement of Solidarity with Muslims in our Community.”

The email was sent just days after presidential hopeful Donald Trump suggested a ban on the entry of Muslims into the United States. Sullivan addressed recent anti-Muslim dialogue and emphasized St. Thomas’ support of its Muslim faculty, staff and students.

The email reads:

“At a time of deeply troubling anti-Muslim political rhetoric in American society, we at the University of St. Thomas reiterate our welcome to Muslims as members of our community, our gratitude for the many contributions that Muslims make to our community, and our unwavering support especially for our many Muslim students.”

The email went on to say:

“In the midst of all the negative noise in our society, we as an institution take this opportunity to reaffirm our fervent commitment to diversity and the inclusion with full dignity of people of all creeds, races, and nationalities. We will continue to spend our energies building a welcoming community that holds the promise of a bright future for all people.”

The email concluded by informing faculty, staff and students wishing to express their agreement with the statement of solidarity that they can send an email requesting that their signature be displayed with the statement, which will be posted on the Office of Mission website.

Margaret Galush can be reached at galu4637@stthomas.edu.