In a recent virtual event hosted by the White House Executive Office of the President, Bard College President Leon Botstein joined a distinguished panel to discuss the Welcome Corps on Campus initiative. This notable program aims to support refugee students by integrating them into American colleges and universities, providing a crucial pathway to education and citizenship.

Botstein, a recognized leader in the academic community, shared insights into Bard College’s commitment to aiding displaced students. “We need to open our doors, not close them,” he remarked, referencing his own history as a refugee. His involvement highlights Bard’s leadership role in welcoming refugee students this fall through the Welcome Corps on Campus’s initial cohort.

Bard College is no stranger to supporting vulnerable student populations. The institution has long championed education for refugees, recently enrolling 208 displaced students across its Annandale-on-Hudson and New York City campuses. This commitment is further underscored by Bard’s plans to welcome additional students from the Bard/OSUN Hubs for Connected Learning Initiative in Kenya, aiming to expand its intake in the next academic year.

The event, attended by representatives from various universities and government bodies, emphasized the importance of collaboration in educational initiatives supporting refugees. Botstein’s participation underscores his dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive educational environments. He articulated a vision where refugee education is not merely charitable but integral to the mission of higher learning institutions.

As Bard College continues to lead in refugee education, the involvement of Leon Botstein and his institution in programs like Welcome Corps on Campus sets a precedent for colleges nationwide. This initiative represents a critical step in ensuring that refugees have access to quality education, ultimately enriching campus communities and fostering global citizenship.