Immigration Posters On University Bulletin Boards Deemed 'Deeply Offensive'

Images of the immigration posters were said to have circulated on various social media outlets with a message saying that it is the people's civic duty to report any and all illegal aliens for they have broken the law. This pertains to the newly-implemented immigration order signed by Trump, during his first week as President, banning citizens from the seven Muslim-majority nations as mentioned therein. Although forthright and realistic, some have called the posters to be "deeply offensive" and officials were quick to offer their sentiments.

Penn State said the immigration posters were undersigned and designed to provoke anger, fear, and hate, the Associated Press reported. Furthermore, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials told reporters such were "bogus" and they wouldn't solicit information in that manner. In an action to allow damage control, the university has removed posters found on bulletin boards designated for use only by university organizations. However, posters on public boards would not be removed "but may be relocated if they are used to block other posted documents," the university said.

The posters came amidst concern on campus over federal courts blocking immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations implemented by Trump administration. In Jan. 29 statement, University president Eric Barron expressed opposition and urged international students, faculty and scholars to bring immigration documents proving their legal statuses whenever traveling within the United States. The university also said about immigration posters that officials wanted to stress "that every student on this campus has earned the right to be here based on their academic qualifications and hard work."

It must be noted that Penn State houses students from all over the world and the university vowed to provide a climate of inclusion for all, regardless of the country of origin. Notably, others raised concerns over the immigration posters simply being an enforcement of the law and there was nothing specifically implied such as academic qualifications, hard work, or country of origin which would seem deeply offensive to the select few. Nevertheless, in a generation where sensitivity is at its prime, people should take caution both with their words and actions especially when it affects the minorities in our society.