Tulane University prides itself on the community service aspect of education. Any personal feelings about service learning’s effectiveness aside, the Tulane community must honor the fundamental idea behind service learning beyond graduation.

The current national political climate threatens already marginalized groups. The Trump administration is exacerbating fear and anxiety regarding the future of immigration, rights to assembly and free speech. The Tulane community should take its value towards community service seriously and strive to assist those facing adversity.

The American Civil Liberties Union is currently working on a class action lawsuit challenging the executive order on behalf of two Iraqis who were detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Saturday. According to CNBC.com, the organization has raised $24 million since filing the suit and has gained 150,000 new members.  The opportunity to help is presenting itself.  Students, alumni, faculty and even parents should do what they can for those whose rights are being challenged, regardless of party affiliation.

In the wake of the executive order, families fear being broken up, and green card holders are being detained. These actions lack empathy and go against basic American values.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door” reads the plaque mounted on the Statue of Liberty.

Emma Lazarus’ words should act as a reminder to all, even beyond the Tulane community. Our country is a beacon of hope for those in need. Our potential to help others is boundless and manifests itself in all ways, whether it is providing comfort to those affected by the ban, fighting the order or donating to the ACLU. Everyone has the opportunity to better the lives of others.

Tulane welcomes and educates students in how to be better to others. Abandoning this lesson not only dishonors oneself but Tulane as a whole. Take what you have learned and apply it.

This is an opinion article and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Tulane Hullabaloo. Tyler is a senior at Newcomb-Tulane College. He can be reached at [email protected].