Blotter

Still unclear why university expelled 15 Chinese researchers

The University of North Texas has said only that the decision followed briefings by federal and local law enforcement
Sarina Neote
Sept. 23, 2020

Members of the University of North Texas community are seeking an explanation for the expulsion of 15 Chinese researchers in late August.

The university notified 15 Chinese scholars on Aug. 26 that it had severed ties with the Chinese Scholarship Council, which funded these scholars. As a result, the researchers’ visas were revoked by the State Department, and the scholars were told they must leave the country as soon as possible.

About 40,000 students attend the University of North Texas.

The CSC provides scholarships for people to attend Chinese universities and for Chinese researchers to conduct research internationally. The funding is provided through the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China “to further strengthen the communication and cooperation between China and other countries,” according to the program website.

Jim Berscheidt, vice president of UNT’s brand strategy and communications, told ASBMB Today via email: “The decision ... is limited to 15 visiting researchers funded by the Chinese Scholarship Council, and does not impact any Chinese student enrolled and studying at the university. In fact, UNT took this action based upon specific and credible information following detailed briefings from federal and local law enforcement.”

The Denton Record–Chronicle previously asked for additional details about the briefings by law enforcement. However, UNT declined to specify which agencies conducted the briefings and did not provide more information. A spokesperson from the FBI’s Dallas office declined to comment for the newspaper.

The university hasn't released a list of the scholars' names or areas of study or research.

Yuheng Lian, a UNT graduate, launched an online petition urging the university to reconsider or at least explain its decision. Lian also said that the researchers were struggling to find airline tickets to leave the U.S. amid the pandemic and rising costs. “As we all know, we are in such a tough pandemic period and (it) is very hard to just buy another ticket to go back to China within a month,” the petition stated.

The UNT expulsions come as the Trump administration continues to target Chinese students studying in the U.S.

In June, President Donald Trump issued a presidential proclamation restricting the entry of Chinese students on F or J visas to study or conduct research in the U.S. The proclamation alleges that China enlists “some Chinese students, mostly post-graduate students and post-doctorate researchers, to operate as non-traditional collectors of intellectual property.”

The Trump administration also suspended new green card applications from abroad and blocked thousands of guest worker visas.

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition monthly and the digital edition weekly.

Learn more
Sarina Neote

Sarina Neote is ASBMB's director of public affairs.

Sign up for the ASBMB advocacy newsletter

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in Policy

Policy highlights or most popular articles

State laws change the landscape for LGBTQIA+ scientists
Pride

State laws change the landscape for LGBTQIA+ scientists

May 31, 2023

New legislation in the past 16 months has banned gender affirming care for transgender teens, teaching children about sexual orientation and gender identity, and drag shows.

Meet the 2023 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates
Announcement

Meet the 2023 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates

May 24, 2023

ASBMB announces a new cohort of 12 ASBMB Advocacy Training Program delegates who will learn about science policy and advocacy through this summer externship

ASBMB members meet with lawmakers on the Hill
News

ASBMB members meet with lawmakers on the Hill

May 18, 2023

In 48 meetings, scientists advocated for budget increases for NIH, NSF and DOE.

Researchers to advocate for fundamental science on Capitol Hill
News from the Hill

Researchers to advocate for fundamental science on Capitol Hill

May 17, 2023

Sixteen ASBMB researchers from 16 states to meet with U.S. senators and representatives on Capitol Hill to advocate for basic science research funding for NIH, NSF, DOE

Will new FDA rules help dial back expedited drugs?
Feature

Will new FDA rules help dial back expedited drugs?

May 6, 2023

Recent reforms could require companies to perform follow-up studies on drugs that received accelerated approval.

ASBMB calls for better wages and benefits for postdocs
Blotter

ASBMB calls for better wages and benefits for postdocs

May 2, 2023

The society urges the NIH to require institutions to provide basic benefits, training plans and professional development for them.