#fulbright program

Half of the board of the Dutch branch of the Fulbright Scholarship program resigned Thursday evening, alleging pressure from the United States that poses a threat to the program's commitment to academic independence, and policies which are “irreconcilable with the principle of academic freedom.” The jointly-written resignation letter, dated Nov. 10 and published on Thursday evening, indicated six of the twelve board members were stepping down “with great regret". The Fulbright Program was spearheaded by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946 to promote peace and prosperity by fostering academic and cultural exchange between nations in the post-War era. Three years later, a bilateral treaty between the U.S. and the Netherlands established one of the program’s first international commissions. Since then, more than 7,000 U.S. and Dutch students, scholars, and teachers have received support to participate in the exchange. But the independence that has allowed the partnership to flourish is under threat, the signatories said. The letter alleges that Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State serving under U.S. President Donald Trump, has taken actions that "critically undermine the mission and the principles that have guided the Fulbright program for 80 years." The group said they will not support or participate in an academic exchange program between the U.S. and the Netherlands “in which the selection of candidates and/or subject matter requires explicit political approval,” saying such practices are “contrary to the statutes and spirit of the treaty which established Fulbright" in the Netherlands. The letter cited a March 4 cable from Rubio to Fulbright boards worldwide, stating that, "Candidate projects/research proposals recommended for selection under the program must be in alignment with both the specific requirements and the spirit of the Executive Orders on [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility] and Gender Ideology; as well as any other Executive Orders that may be relevant to a specific project area.”

The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted funding for key study-abroad scholarships. This action affects government exchange programs as well, causing uncertainty among students. It also creates uncertainty for professionals in international education. This suspension began on February 12. It is set to last for 15 days.

The U.S. State Department has temporarily halted funding for key study-abroad scholarships. This action affects government exchange programs as well, causing uncertainty among students. It also creates uncertainty for professionals in international education. This suspension began on February 12. It is set to last for 15 days. The suspension affects major programs. These include the Fulbright…