Yale affirms 'steadfast commitment' to int'l students, scholars

Peter Salovey, president of Yale University, affirmed on Thursday that the Ivy League school's "steadfast commitment" to international students and scholars while urging U.S. federal agencies to "clarify concerns they have about international academic exchanges."

Yale University President Peter Salovey. [File Photo: AP/Jessica Hill]

"In recent weeks, tensions in U.S.-China relations and increased scrutiny of academic exchanges have added to a sense of unease among many international students and scholars here at Yale and at universities across the country. I write now to affirm Yale's steadfast commitment to our international students and scholars; they are vital to the university community," Salovey said in an open letter to the Yale community.

Over 2,800 students from outside the United States, representing 123 countries, study at Yale, according to the president. They are joined by nearly 2,700 international scholars who conduct research and teach.

"Faculty members from around the world create knowledge, teach and mentor students, and add immeasurably to our intellectual community," read the letter. "Together, these individuals make significant contributions to Yale's research and educational endeavors. By bringing the most talented and promising students and scholars to our campus, we foster new discoveries and advance our mission of 'improving the world today and for future generations.'"

Yale's insistence on welcoming talented colleagues from around the world "does not detract from our dedication to the integrity of our research," Salovey said.

"Yale takes seriously all of the legal and regulatory requirements that safeguard our research enterprise and protect our scholars from the theft of intellectual property," he said, adding that he is working with his presidential colleagues in the Association of American Universities (AAU) to urge federal agencies to clarify concerns they have about international academic exchanges.

The AAU has encouraged agencies to use the tools already in place, such as export controls, while affirming the principle of open academic exchange for basic research, according to the president of Yale.

"We pair our unequivocal commitment to careful research stewardship with another: international students and scholars are welcome and respected on our campus," Salovey said. "We appreciate the expertise, creativity, and dedication they bring to our shared pursuit of knowledge and truth, and we affirm their belonging as members of the Yale community."

"I remind you that international students and scholars with any questions about their visas or other matters should contact the Office of International Students and Scholars," Salovey said.

Salovey promised that he would continue to advocate for government policies that support the ability of international students and scholars to study and work in the United States. "Openness -- a key to the extraordinary success of America's great research universities -- must remain a hallmark of Yale," he said.