Not long after the attack on Ukraine began, a U.S. congressmen went on cable news to call for swift action to punish Russia. Among the penalties proposed by Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat: “Kick out” all Russian students studying at American colleges.
Swalwell’s idea to expel Russian students exploded on social media. Many people condemned it as discriminatory. But others, including another Democratic lawmaker, rallied around the proposal. “Send them packing NOW!” one user wrote in a tweet.
The Biden administration hasn’t followed up, even as it has imposed other diplomatic and economic sanctions on Russia and its government. Yet, Swalwell’s idea and its resonance with parts of the public could signal something potentially troubling for higher education: a new willingness to see international students, or at least some of them, through a political lens….
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To the many of you who have already made the switch, thank you — and thanks for your patience.
‘Til Wednesday (via the new home) —Karin
