U.S. flags at the University of Miami are at half staff to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris, and UM students studying in the City of Light have been contacted and are reported safe, University officials said Monday.
Ten UM students are currently studying in France, said Devika Milner, director of Study Abroad. UM has been in communication with each of the students by email or phone since Friday's terrorist attacks. She said the University closely monitors U.S. State Department travel alerts and warnings, and no warnings have been issued at this time about restricting travel to France. Milner said partner universities in France have been contacted, and there are no plans to cancel classes there.
UM has also offered support and counseling to about 45 French students and scholars studying here.
"The health and welfare of all UM students is our utmost concern," said Patricia Whitely, vice president for student affairs. "We will provide whatever assistance is needed for our visiting students and scholars from France, and our students traveling abroad. We continue to monitor the situation very closely."
UM President Julio Frenk tweeted the University's support Friday night:
"The attacks in France are an assault on all we uphold. The UM family affirms the dignity of all people and stands in solidarity with France," Frenk said.
U.S. President Barack Obama issued a proclamation Sunday that all U.S. Flags at public buildings would be lowered to half staff until sunset November 19 in honor of the victims.
The Miami Hurricane student newspaper talked with two UM students in Paris. You can read the story here:
http://www.themiamihurricane.com/2015/11/15/canes-in-paris-reported-safe-after-terror-attacks/
In a related matter, the UM School of Law is hosting a symposium on Friday that will discuss domestic terrorism in the United States. The symposium had been scheduled prior to Friday's attacks in France.
The 2015-2016 National Security and Armed Conflict Law Review Symposium will be held from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Shalala Student Center. The symposium is titled: "The Rise and Leaderless Resistance: The Changing Nature of Domestic Terrorism in the United States."
