AACSB Statement to Higher Education Community: Stand United for More Inclusive, Accepting Global Society

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today we are in the midst of challenging times across the higher education sphere, including the area of business education. While business and academe continue to globalize, more countries are beginning to raise political barriers to the premise of globalization. While the underlying causes and policies vary, the overarching direction is unmistakable and detrimental to global prosperity.

Heartened by the response of the global higher education community to recent events, AACSB International (AACSB) stands in solidarity with our colleagues—across disciplines, countries, and ideologies. As the oldest and largest global business education network, AACSB supports our nearly 1,500 member institutions across 97 countries as they assist their business students, faculty, and staff in the struggle to navigate the changes and uncertainties that seem to be accelerating.

We believe that education can serve as a force for good, contributing to the betterment of the world's economy and society. Inherent to all societies is the desire and necessity to learn, as well as a belief in the fundamental right to education.

We value the freedom of sharing global perspectives and champion the exchange of ideas that furthers the understanding between nations, businesses, and individuals.  It is often through diverse perspectives or ideas that the most relevant learning occurs and social responsibility flourishes.  Accordingly, AACSB supports and upholds a culture of mutual respect that is inclusive of all nationalities, countries of origin, languages, races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and cultural or other beliefs.

Together, in the face of such complex issues facing our world, leaders—business and non-business alike—should be challenged to inspire, manage, and cultivate a more just, inclusive, and prosperous global society. AACSB's mission and vision is founded on the ability for academe and business worldwide to openly nurture conversation, advance education, and encourage global prosperity—particularly in countries of conflict or emerging economies where education is presently most in need.

We remain unwavering in our pursuit to foster approaches that prepare a new generation of globally minded leaders, and in the preservation of the freedom of educational exchange. Policy or approach will not divide or diminish what our members hold central, and we will continue to stand united and work together to advance quality education globally. 

About AACSB International
Founded in 1916, AACSB is the world's largest business education network, connecting academe with business. AACSB provides business education intelligence, quality assurance, and professional development services to more than 1,500 member organizations across 97 countries and territories. AACSB Accreditation is the highest standard of quality in business education, with 780 business schools accredited worldwide. AACSB's global headquarters is located in Tampa, Florida, USA; its Asia Pacific headquarters is located in Singapore; and its Europe, Middle East, and Africa headquarters is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.aacsb.edu.

SOURCE AACSB International

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