US university reverses rule on accepting Iranian students into science programs
WASHINGTON DC – The University of Massachusetts said on Wednesday it will accept Iranian students into science and engineering programs, removing restrictions it had placed under US law.
“The decision to revise the university’s approach follows consultation with the State Department and outside counsel,” the university said in a statement.
Michael Malone, vice chancellor for research and engagement, said in a statement published on the university’s website, “This approach reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to wide access to educational opportunities.
“We have always believed that excluding students from admission conflicts with our institutional values and principles. It is now clear, after further consultation and deliberation, that we can adopt a less restrictive policy,” he said.
The university noted that federal law and the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, “requires that the US Department of State deny visas to Iranian students wishing to engage in certain fields of study related to the energy sector, nuclear science, nuclear engineering or a related field at US colleges and universities.”
But it said that, while opening doors to Iranian students, the university will comply with the law and “develop individualized study plans as appropriate based on a student’s projected coursework and research in conjunction with an offer of admission.”
Leila Golestaneh Austin, executive director of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) told NBC News that she was “satisfied with the revision, because it no longer included a blanket prohibition.”
According to NBC News, PAAIA had urged the University of Massachusetts to rethink its policy.
"What we were concerned about there was the broad application of the law," Austin was quoted as saying. “If they had any concerns about liability, which I understand, they should have talked to the State Department. It sounds like that's what happened."