Over the last decade, we have become a stronger, safer, and more secure nation. The Department of Homeland Security continues to make our nation and communities more resilient, not only to terrorist and violent extremist attacks, but also to threats and disasters of all kinds, while safeguarding the fundamental rights of all Americans.
At the University of Michigan – Dearborn, Secretary Jeh Johnson met with student leaders to discuss how the Department works with local communities to counter violent extremism. We asked these students: What does hometown security mean to you? Why is #DHSinDearborn important for the next generation of homeland security leaders?
Mawj Mohammed
"I am a junior studying political science and philosophy. I’m the president of the Political Science Association here at University of Michigan – Dearborn. As an Arab-American, and especially as a refugee from Iraq who is an American, it’s very important for me to have a discussion with the Secretary of Homeland Security, especially since there is a large Arab population in this part of Michigan. It’s very important for them to understand exactly what is going on in terms of our security, because we do value our security here. It’s important to have these discussions and be open with each other."
Sam Parks
“I am a senior, I’m going to law school next year, I’m the Vice President student government, and being able to have my story heard about my experiences, especially as an undergraduate, particularly in the community that University of Michigan – Dearborn has offered me, I think is really impactful and I think that it could really help things.”
Jewell Jones
“I’m a junior, and today, just to be in the presence of the Secretary of Homeland Security is eye-opening because UM-Dearborn is a small campus that is so diverse, and for us to be able to bring people like this into the campus, to help our students, better understand national security and help us get a greater grasp on what’s going on in the world around us, I think is very critical and very important. So, I’m greatly appreciative. I’m in the Army ROTC program at the University, and I’m in my third year. When I graduate, I will be commissioned as a second lieutenant, but I’m thinking about going to law school. If I do go to law school after, I get commissioned as a captain.”
Fiana Arbab
“I’m in my third year at University of Michigan – Dearborn. I’m a double major in psychology and Women & Gender studies, and a minor in Sociology. I’m currently the president of the social justice league, and I’m in several other student organizations on this campus. Being with the Secretary today really goes to show the importance of having the public’s voice heard, and just the fact that we are able to be present here today with our government officials to talk about national and international security really takes into account the cultivation of the power of the people and the power of voice.”
Bradley Pischea
“I’m the student government president here at University of Michigan – Dearborn and I’m a senior studying political science and criminal justice. I think the government thrives when it listens to its people and understands what the people they represent want. I think that it’s important to listen to college students, especially a college that is as diverse and wonderful as University of Michigan – Dearborn.”
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