Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College, recently participated in a virtual discussion hosted by the White House Executive Office of the President. This discussion centered around the Welcome Corps on Campus initiative, a program designed to support refugee students in the United States. Botstein’s involvement underscores Bard College’s commitment to integrating displaced students into their academic community.
During the conversation, Leon Botstein emphasized the critical importance of welcoming refugees into American educational institutions. As a former child refugee himself, he passionately argued for the need to keep doors open for those fleeing conflict, highlighting the contribution that refugee students can make to campus culture and society at large. “We agree nothing could be more important,” Botstein remarked, noting the invaluable perspectives and experiences these students bring.
Bard College has taken actionable steps in line with Botstein’s beliefs. This fall, the institution has welcomed two first-year refugee students through the Welcome Corps on Campus program. Botstein revealed plans to increase this number, with Bard preparing to host up to 12 refugee students next academic year. These efforts are part of Bard’s broader initiative to support displaced populations, reflecting their mission to foster global citizenship and cultural understanding.
The college’s involvement with Welcome Corps on Campus is not an isolated endeavor. Bard has a long history of supporting refugee education, with 208 displaced students currently enrolled across its campuses in New York and Berlin. The initiative aligns with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ goal to enroll 15% of refugees in higher education by 2030.
Leon Botstein’s leadership in this sphere demonstrates an enduring commitment to equity in education. By expanding opportunities for refugee students, Bard College is not only enriching its own community but also setting a precedent for other institutions to follow.