DEARBORN — On April 17, the Henry Ford College board of trustees unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Policy Committee Chair Fadwa Hammoud that reaffirms the college’s commitment to welcome anyone in search of an education and employment opportunities.

Hammoud told The AANews that the resolution accentuates HFC’s devotion to inclusivity and diversity.

“In the context of a national climate that has felt increasingly hostile to members of marginalized communities, including immigrants and refugees, our resolution reaffirms that HFC is a welcoming community dedicated to principles of diversity and inclusion,” Hammoud said. “We value all members of our HFC family and are strong as an institution because of our diversity. That point can never be stated enough, and as trustees we will continue striving to ensure that everyone interested in quality higher education can feel welcome and included here.”

Hammoud said HFC’s staff played a major role in the resolution’s passing. She said Local 1650, HFC’s Federation of Teachers, was on the forefront at the Policy Committee meeting in support of the resolution.

“It was an HFC family effort,” she said.

Federation of Teachers President John McDonald told The AANews that “HFC faculty are proud to have played a role in championing HFC’s welcoming college resolution” and proud of the college trustees’ undivided approval.

He said numerous students voiced concerns in regards to their safety and futures because of the “inflammatory and frightening rhetoric and policies of the president” and his supporters referring to President Trump. He said faculty recognized that their worries “negatively impact” their concentration and learning experiences.

“The commitments in HFC’s welcoming college resolution will help to reassure students and our community, which entrusts us with their children and their education,” he said.

Henry Ford College will continue to offer equal opportunities to all those who seek them and will ensure a safe educational environment. It promises to protect the civil rights of the college community as a whole by barring and taking corrective measures against all forms of discrimination, harassment and violence.

For her part, Trustee Chair Mariam Bazzi said the college is restating its duty to its diverse student body.

“The trustees of Henry Ford College wanted to be clear in our reaffirmation of our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive college for everyone from all walks of life,” Bazzi said. “We took this position because we believed it was important to stand with the college community in clearly stating what we believe our values and duties are with respect to the diverse community we serve.” γ