The President of the Atlantic Technological University has criticised a decision by US President Donald Trump to cancel a Fullbright Specialist Award intended for the institution.
The Fullbright Specialist program allows for US academics or professionals to visit Universities and learning institutions in Ireland for a period of 2-6 weeks, to engage in the exchange of information and aid in institutional development.
One such Fullbright Specialist from the US had been due to visit ATU, and support the University in bolstering its efforts tackling gender-based violence, as well as promoting a safer University community across all of its campuses.
However that arrangement has now been cancelled by President Trump.
The University and its President made a strongly-worded response to the news today.
In a statement, the Atlantic Technological University said: “As we mark International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and the work still to be done, we at Atlantic Technological University reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of respect, safety, inclusion and equality.”
G”lobally, these values are increasingly under threat, and we are keenly disappointed to have seen the cancellation of a visiting Fulbright Specialist, whose work was intended to support us to tackle gender-based violence and to promote a safer University community for all.”
“The opportunity to collaborate with a Fulbright Specialist brings invaluable insights and best practices to our work. While we are deeply disappointed with this decision, we are working with the Ireland United States Commission for Educational Exchange to utilise an alternative funding option being provided by the Commission for this programme.”
Meanwhile Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, committed to furthering respect and inclusion for students on the University’s campuses:
“Our values in ATU include Respect and Inclusion, and we remain committed to living and actioning these values in everything that we do. We must take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking, domestic abuse and coercive control. Our ATU Respect Programme is a key part of this commitment, and we will redouble our efforts to ensure its impact continues to grow,” she said.
“The Respect Programme is a developing initiative designed to prevent sexual and gender-based violence, support survivors, and foster a culture of active bystander intervention. Engaging students, staff, and experts in the field, the programme builds awareness, delivers education, and strengthens policies to ensure that Atlantic Technological University is a place where everyone feels safe and respected.”
“At a time when the values of diversity, inclusion, safety, equality, and respect are facing increasing challenges in parts of the world, we stand in solidarity with our allies in the US whose commitment to these principles remains strong, despite the obstacles they face’ said Dr Flynn. ‘We are actively exploring ways to support them, just as they have supported us. The work of advancing gender equity and human rights globally is a shared responsibility, and we will continue to champion these values both at home and internationally.”
“On International Women’s Day, we recommit to taking action not just in words, but in meaningful change,’ said Dr Flynn.
“A truly inclusive university is one where every person feels safe to learn, work, and thrive. That is the future we are working towards, and nothing will deter us from that goal.”
“Despite this setback, ATU will double down on efforts to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and build a campus culture rooted in respect, safety and dignity for all. We will continue to explore new partnerships and opportunities to advance this critical work because ensuring safety and inclusion is not just part of achieving gender equality, it is essential to it.”
