The Board of Directors of The ArtsCenter has endorsed the following resolution regarding the recent executive orders on immigration:
“We recognize these are stressful times for many of our community. Recently, President Trump signed two Executive Orders related to immigration. One of the orders restricts citizens from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the United States and the other reflects his campaign promise to build a wall on our southern border. These Executive Orders are unjust and must be overturned.
These actions have heightened a sense of anxiety for many, having a chilling effect on the free flow of residents and visitors to the US at our airports and borders. Carrboro and Chapel Hill are home to citizens from across the globe; over 17% of our residents were born in another country. Our diversity is our strength. The targeting and stigmatizing of our Muslim and Latino neighbors, co-workers, and families has tested our resolve.
At The ArtsCenter we present programming from around the world; this Spring we are hosting musicians from many countries including Cambodia, Mali, Mongolia and France. Our mission is to celebrate world culture and the diversity of creative expression that unites us all. These Executive Orders have stifled global exchange and betray our country as an example of tolerance and acceptance of people and cultures from all corners of the world.
Through our educational programming, The ArtsCenter works with over 30,000 students from all over the world. For example, last summer we hosted seventeen students from Iraq visiting North Carolina on a tour sponsored by the State Department promoting greater cultural understanding. These students spent the afternoon in one of our classrooms learning techniques for filmmaking and documenting their experiences on their smartphones.
Whether in a classroom or in our theater, we are committed to the well-being of each and every student and patron that walks through our doors. We are committed to a community where all students, families, audiences and staff are safe, respected, and engaged. We expect everyone to be treated positively, without fear of bullying or intimidation.
We call upon all of us to remember what makes America special – it is our diversity, our deep sense of justice; our fundamental belief in personal liberty; and our willingness to stand for and with those in need.”
“I believe in our constitution and the freedoms, protections, and opportunities it provides. Together, we must defend the values we hold dearly and stand for each other. The ArtsCenter stands with all residents of the Triangle. Thank you for standing with us.” — Daniel Mayer, Executive Director