A surprising academic announcement comes from the University of Florida (FIU). It is that the institution in question suddenly stopped hiring Cuban researchers. However, Cuba is not the only country on the list of countries classified as “concerning” by the Florida state government. Venezuela, China, Russia, Syria, Iran and North Korea are also strengthening relations.
According to the FIU Executive Order, “Deans and directors of graduate programs are directed to pause any job offers or attempts to hire involving individuals from the above-mentioned countries.”
Facing such a scenario, more than 300 teachers have denounced the arbitrary decision. For obvious reasons, they believe that the radical regulation could harm the development, reputation and management of the educational institution.
Andrés Gil, vice president of research at FIU, assures that “any offer made or any active recruitment must be stopped until there is adequate control over the process.” The new decision directly affects unpaid research fellows.
“Graduate program directors and deans will be informed of what they need to communicate regarding this process. The topic will be explained to newly admitted and/or prospective graduate students interested in graduate assistantships,” the official order states.
DeSantis is radicalizing his mandate in Florida
As suspected, this decision has directly to do with the current Republican governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis. In fact, it is part of a radicalization of his mandate.
Among other passed laws, the ban on foreign nationals from the above-mentioned countries from purchasing real estate in Florida located at a certain distance from so-called “critical infrastructure” stands out. This includes, among other things, airports or military bases.
The University of Florida is an educational institution funded and supported by the state government and therefore has a public nature.
The board consists of members appointed by the state government. It plays a fundamental role in the selection of managers, including the student center president.
