FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2017

American Alliance of Museums Statement on the Travel Ban Imposed January 27 via Executive Order

“The American Alliance of Museums strongly believes in active participation in the global community and in welcoming international perspectives. We seek out and embrace a diversity of people and cultures to enhance our understanding of the world and to connect museums in a global context, as outlined in the Alliance’s strategic plan. This is a core value shared by many American museums and museum professionals who are actively engaged in cultural diplomacy and international research collaborations, as well as programs in our communities to support and illuminate the stories of immigrants and their valuable contributions to American culture.”

“History, art, science, and culture don’t stop at our borders, nor should the people who dedicate their lives to sharing and explaining these foundational elements of our society.  By helping us to understand this broader world, they help us to understand each other. We are gravely concerned that this executive order runs counter to these objectives.”

The Alliance will gather and share resources on this issue with its members and with policymakers.  Museums impacted by the travel ban are encouraged to contact the Alliance by emailing governmentrelations@aam-us.org.

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 30,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance stands for the broad scope of the museum community. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

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Media Contact:

Joseph Klem
Director, Public Relations
American Alliance of Museums
202-218-7670
jklem@aam-us.org