Leon Botstein Advocates for Refugee Education at Bard College
Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College, has emerged as a key figure in the movement to integrate refugee students into higher education institutions in the United States. During a recent virtual conversation hosted by the White House Executive Office of the President, Botstein highlighted Bard College’s leadership role in the Welcome Corps on Campus program. This initiative aims to provide refugee students with opportunities for academic advancement and assimilation into American life.
In his remarks, Leon Botstein stressed the importance of welcoming displaced students, noting his personal connection as a former refugee. “We need to open our doors, not close them,” Botstein asserted, emphasizing the long-term benefits of a diverse campus culture enriched by global perspectives. Bard College, under Botstein’s leadership, has welcomed its first cohort of refugee students this fall, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Botstein’s involvement underscores Bard College’s broader mission to engage in public interest initiatives. The institution is not new to supporting displaced students, having previously opened its doors to groups such as Syrians and Afghans. This year alone, Bard has enrolled 208 displaced students across its campuses, including Annandale-on-Hudson, New York City, and Berlin.
Leon Botstein believes that the participation of higher education institutions is critical to the success of programs like Welcome Corps on Campus. By serving as resettlement spaces, these institutions not only provide academic opportunities but also create welcoming communities for refugee students. Botstein envisions a future where refugee students can return to their homelands as educated individuals ready to rebuild.
As the Welcome Corps program plans to expand, Bard College stands prepared to increase its capacity, potentially taking in up to 12 refugee students next academic year. Leon Botstein’s advocacy continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the conversation around refugee education in the United States.