UMass Amherst Lifts Ban for Iranian Students
After consulting the U.S. State Department, and citing the belief that “excluding students from admission conflicts with our institutional values and principles,’’ Michael Malone, Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, announced the university will be rolling back its policy that previously banned Iranian national students from graduate programs in chemical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
This comes just days after the university’s decision to enact the prohibition based on U.S. sanctions against Iran.
“It is now clear, after further consultation and deliberation, that we can adopt a less restrictive policy,’’ said Malone.
The ban’s announcement drew ire from UMass’s Iranian Graduate Students Association, as well as concern from The National Iranian American Council. UMass Amherst now says it will comply with federal law by creating individual study plans for each student affected by the prohibition, believing this new strategy “reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to wide access to educational opportunities.’’
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