Some academics in Saskatchewan say they are turning their backs on trips to the south of the border while the political landscape of the United States continues to change under the policies of President Donald Trump.
Wendy Verity told CBC and Radio-Canada this month that he had to carefully consider his options: search for career opportunities or solidarity with Canada.
Verity, a doctoral student in the Department of Health and Epidemiology of the Community of the University of Saskatchewan, was accepted to attend a sports medicine conference in the United States in May.
“I’ve been late in my doctoral program, so I will graduate soon, so this is part of building a CV and forming research networks,” he said.
“The opportunities to present my work are being reduced.”
‘We have to think twice’
It is a decision with which more academics are fighting as they deal with changing immigration policies in the United States and threats to the academic freedom of President Donald Trump.
Nazeem Muhajarine, professor of community health and epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, said he recently rejected an invitation to attend a conference in Atlanta, GA.
Although he has a Canadian passport, the academic academic born in Sri Lanka faces potential repercussions if he stays in the United States.
Muhajarine said the strictest policies established by Trump made him feel insecure when traveling to Georgia.
“At times like this, I think we have to think twice about the decisions we make, and I hope a time comes when things return to the way they were,” said Muhajarine.
Academics may not be the only ones that reconsider trips to the south of the border.
The data of the Customs and Border Protection data of the United States (CBP) show that the number of cross -border travelers who go from Canada to the US. UU. Fall in almost 900,000 in March compared to the same month last year
For Muhajarine, it’s about putting your money where your mouth is.
“I really don’t want to be part of the economy there. I don’t want to spend my money in the United States,” he said.
‘Unprecedented’
Matthew Mitchell, vice president of the Faculty Association of the University of Saskatchewan, describes the challenge raised for Canadian academics by new US policies as “unprecedented.”
“Canadian teachers who have enough privileges in many ways, who have many protections for the most part, who value academic freedom, freedom of expression, who are now very concerned about the prospects of going to the United States,” Mitchell said.
Not all academics are making the decision, but it is something that many now have to consider, Mitchell said.
Mitchell said that academic conferences can be “very important” for young students or teachers who have just launched their careers. The events offer the opportunity to establish contacts and make connections for employment opportunities.
Mitchell points out the use of videoconference that was deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic as a possible solution to the problems posed by the policies of the states unleashed.
The faculty association has not taken a position in any boycott.
The Canadian association of university professors has recently issued a warning to its members, urging caution when traveling to the United States and asking them to travel there “only if it is essential and necessary.”
The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan told CBC News and Radio-Canadá that the incidents that occurred to their employees during the trips in the United States did not know.
The University of Saskatchewan acknowledged that some of its employees have raised concerns. It has provided its employees with the latest Canada recommendations for travelers to the United States.
Difficult decisions ahead
Muhajarine admits that the decision can affect the development of research and knowledge exchange between academics based in the United States and Canada.
The teacher regrets not being able to “interact freely” with colleagues.
“When you go to a conference, you interact with people about your presentation and their presentation. This is how knowledge is proven,” he said.
“His colleagues ask him questions and that is how knowledge is refined.”
Verity, the doctoral student, made her own decision this week.
She confirmed to CBC and Radio-Canada that she will have the opportunity to present her research in the United States.
