Millions of Syrian high school graduates and college students are unable to pursue their right of higher education. Thousands of schools have been destroyed, unfairly depriving Syrian students from their right to education. Millions of Syrian students are now refugees, with no access to a school. Millions more inside Syria are prevented from going go to school because of the targeting and bombing of school buildings.

While host countries and the UNHCR can provide primary education to Syrian children, the young Syrian men and women pursuing a higher education face a much more difficult task. With language, logistical, and financial barriers to overcome, these students are unable to continue their education without institutional assistance.

We are calling on Princeton to increase recruitment of Syrian applicants and join the Syria Consortium to offer academic opportunities to Syrian students. The Syria Consortium, created by the International Institute of Education (IIE) has brought together 40 universities that commit to offer Syrian students and scholars a safe haven to continue their studies abroad.

Princeton University accepts over 2,000 undergraduates and over 1,200 graduate students every year and is committed to an admissions policy that does not discriminate based on a student's ability to pay. For the Class of 2019 Princeton offered an average grant of $46,000, covering "100% of tuition for freshmen receiving financial aid." Considering the University's financial aid policies and its commitment to diversity, we urge Princeton to lead the way in offering places to talented and qualified Syrian refugee students who are looking for a second chance at getting their education.

We students, faculty members and members of the Princeton community want to extend the opportunity to obtain a higher education at our University to Syrian students. No one should be denied access to pursuing their future regardless of barriers or background.