Proposal to Ban Chinese From STEM Studies? Newsweek

The spread of Covid-19 has put economies on hold, alarming the world, and leaders look for scapegoats. Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton has accused China of releasing inaccurate data on confirmed Covid-19 cases, and called it a “scandal” that US colleges and universities train so many Chinese. China is the leading source of international students for US colleges and universities. On a television news program, Cotton proposed that Chinese students not be allowed to study sciences, technology, engineering or math at US institutions, adding that they “go back to China to compete for our jobs, to take our business and ultimately to steal our property and design weapons and other devices that can be used against the American people." The majority of students enrolled in graduate STEM programs at many universities are international. Students cannot suddenly enter such fields that require years of foundational work in math, computer coding and more. The sciences and engineering contribute to innovations and economic prosperity and such a proposal would limit talent and revenue for higher institutions of learning. – YaleGlobal