Academics demand president who embraces diversity, globalism

Ten university presidents and numerous professors have signed a statement calling on the next U.S. President to enact policies that make the country more “globally engaged.”

“The undersigned individuals, representatives of the foreign policy, national security, peacebuilding, and education fields, believe the United States is stronger and safer when we recognize that we are part of an interconnected, interdependent global community,” the statement, issued in conjunction with the Association of International Educators, asserts before urging the next president to “pursue policies and practices that embrace diversity within and outside our borders.”

[RELATED: REPORT: 5 out of 6 top university donations go to Dems]

The letter goes on to suggest that the “health” of the nation will depend upon the next president’s ability to foster “global cooperation” and acknowledge that “epidemics don’t recognize national borders” while “our climate is shared by all.”

Finally, the joint statement urges the nation’s next leader to “value diversity in our nation and in our world,” saying the president’s willingness to embrace the “global community” is necessary for national prosperity.

“Our next president must value diversity in our nation and in our world, honor our tradition as a nation of immigrants, and be willing to deliberate and collaborate,” it continues. “If we wish to create an ever-more secure and prosperous nation, our next president must work with the global community to create a more secure and prosperous world.”

At press time, ten college presidents had officially endorsed the statement, including the presidents of such prestigious institutions as Duke University, American University, and the Ohio State University.

The letter has also garnered the support of several retired politicians, including former Obama administration Undersecretary of State Maria Otero, who served under current presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and former Democratic congressman Michael Barnes, who now advocates for gun control.

[RELATED: Ivy leaguers pour money into Hillary campaign]

Other names on the list include Edwin Truman, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1998 to serve as his assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury, and Bruce Morrison, a former Connecticut congressman and classmate of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Follow the author of this article on Twitter: @AGockowski