The two largest universities in the Lower Mainland are denouncing a recent travel ban to the United States. Both the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University have issued statements condemning the ban, and UBC has established a task force with a $250,000 budget to determine how to help students, staff and visiting scholars affected by the ban. The ban bars residents from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. Simon Fraser University president and vice-chancellor Andrew Petter said in a statement that SFU has about 450 faculty, staff and visitors affected by the travel ban. Both Ono and Petter say affected students, staff and visitors can seek help through their respective universities' counselling and international students departments.

Source: CBC News January 30, 2017 15:45 UTC