The events of this past week have deeply disturbed me as well as many from my community. It doesn't make sense to me that a nation founded on and sustained by immigration now has elected a leader with misinformed and ill-conceived ideas for our future.

Some universities have decided to advise their students and faculty to critically examine Trump's immigration ban. Others, like the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and my school, Washington and Lee, have in addition issued statements condemning the ban and ensuring that their communities will support its international and Muslim members.

President Will Dudley issued the following statement on January 31.

"Our mission statement commits us to prepare our graduates for 'engaged citizenship in a global and diverse society.' International education is a fundamental element of our university. This commitment is physically embodied in the newly dedicated Ruscio Center for Global Learning. It is also realized in the many programs that send our students and faculty to every corner of the globe and bring international students and visiting scholars to our campus.

Last Friday’s immigration order by the Trump administration, which restricts international travel and educational opportunities on the basis of nationality and religion, is contrary to W&L’s mission, non-discrimination policies, and dedicated efforts to enhance international education. This concerns me, as I know it does many of you.

I reaffirm Washington and Lee’s commitment to its core values and to its students, faculty and staff, regardless of their country of origin or their religious beliefs. Although none of our current students or employees is from any of the seven countries affected by the executive order, W&L is home to citizens from 55 nations and a variety of religious traditions. These friends and colleagues enrich our campus in countless ways.

The fulfillment of our educational mission depends upon the presence of students and scholars of diverse nationalities and religious faiths. In the coming days, we will express gratitude and support for the international and Muslim members of our community. Such support reflects the culture of mutual respect that we prize so highly and will always uphold at Washington and Lee."

I'm proud to be a General because my school is not afraid to stand up against Trump's prejudice. This issue stems far beyond conservative and liberal thinking. It's about people. It's about lawyers, doctors, and good workers at risk of not being able to come back to the United States after overseas travel. It's about an LSU student being forced to return to his native country after finishing his PhD. It's about what it means to be a citizen in a nation that prides itself in being the land of the free and the home of the brave.

There is nothing free or brave to Trump's proposals and executive orders. There is a one in 3.64 billion chance that somebody in the United States will be killed by a refugee terrorist. That's over one hundred times lower than the chance of being struck by lightning in the US according to the NOAA.

I still don't know what to say about the immigration ban because it shocks and distresses me. The world seems more chaotic than it has ever been, and the only consolation I can think of is to speak out and protest. This is why I'll be present when the W&L community rallies together to show support for our international and Muslim community.