Statement from Julie Peterson, U-M Associate Vice President for MediaRelations and Public Affairs:

“The University of Michigan has received a written request from the U.S. Attorney’s office to conduct interviews of a number of U-M students and other members of the University community from Arabic countries. These individuals are among a group of 5,000 nationwide selected for interviews because they have entered the U.S. since Jan. 1, 2000, on non-immigrant visas from foreign countries linked with terrorism. The letter indicates they are not suspected of being associated with terrorist activities.

“The University cooperates fully with all local, state and federal law enforcement investigations of suspected criminal activity, and we will continue to do so in the future. We have not yet received a list of the names of those to be interviewed, but we will provide whatever information is requested by law enforcement officials, consistent with state and federal laws. However, since none of those identified for questioning are suspected of or associated with criminal activity, we have decided that our public safety personnel will not participate in the interviews. If criminal activity is suspected at any time, campus police will participate fully in follow-up investigations.

“Through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, we will continue to provide advice and support to U-M students who have questions about their legal rights and responsibilities. Our Student Legal Services office is available to any U-M students who feel they need legal counsel, and will provide a staff member to accompany the student to the interview, if desired. We also are continuing to respond to student questions and concerns through our International Center, and can provide counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services.”