Sask. academics shun travel to U.S. amid political climate

As political tensions continue to rise in the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump, academics in Saskatchewan are facing tough decisions when it comes to traveling south of the border. Wendy Verity, a doctoral student at the University of Saskatchewan, recently had to grapple with the choice of pursuing career opportunities in the U.S. or standing in solidarity with Canada. She was accepted to attend a sports medicine conference in the United States in May, but decided to forego the opportunity due to the shifting political landscape.

Verity’s dilemma is not unique, as more academics are reconsidering travel to the United States amidst changing immigration policies and threats to academic freedom. Nazeem Muhajarine, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, declined an invitation to attend a conference in Atlanta, Georgia, citing concerns about potential repercussions and feeling unsafe in light of stricter policies implemented by the Trump administration.

The impact of these decisions is not limited to academics, as data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a significant drop in cross-border travel from Canada to the U.S. in recent months. Matthew Mitchell, vice-chair of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association, describes the situation as “unprecedented” and highlights the challenges faced by Canadian academics in navigating the new American policies.

While not every academic is choosing to boycott travel to the United States, many are considering alternative solutions such as video conferencing to mitigate the challenges posed by the current political climate. The Canadian Association of University Professors has issued a warning to its members, advising caution when traveling to the U.S. and urging them to do so only if essential.

Despite the potential impact on research and knowledge sharing, academics like Muhajarine are prioritizing their values and beliefs by refraining from traveling to the United States. The University of Saskatchewan has acknowledged the concerns raised by its employees and provided them with the latest travel recommendations for those considering trips to the U.S.

In the midst of uncertainty, academics like Verity are making tough decisions to uphold their principles and support their home country. By forgoing opportunities in the United States, they are standing in solidarity with Canada and navigating the complex political landscape with integrity and resilience.