Two Chinese graduate students and a professor are suing Florida’s education officials over a new law that restricts academic exchanges with individuals from seven countries (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela) labeled as threats.

This law aims to protect Florida’s universities from foreign influence. Critics, however, argue it is discriminatory and harks back to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

The plaintiffs believe this law stigmatizes people based on their nationality and limits academic freedom, impacting research opportunities significantly in Florida.

The governor’s office and the state Department of Education have yet to respond to the lawsuit. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions over academic freedom and national security. Florida’s law restricting academic exchanges with certain countries can be viewed as part of a broader trend of increasing geopolitical tension and nationalism affecting international cooperation in education and research. Such policies may lead to significant consequences, including isolation of academic communities, reduced collaboration, and potential retaliation by affected countries. This could hinder global scientific progress and diplomatic relations, emphasizing a shift towards prioritizing national security over international academic freedom and collaboration.