Years ago, state universities in Florida could easily send
students to Cuba for academic research or bring Cuban intellectuals and
cultural figures to the United States for special events.
That got a lot more
difficult in 2006, when the state Legislature passed a law declaring
that any funds going to state universities cannot be used for travel to
nations that the State Department lists as a state-sponsor of terrorism.
The law applied to several countries, but it was aimed at Cuba and
meant to tighten the restricted relationship the United States had with
the communist nation since the 1960s.
But
the future looked promising for Cuban studies in the Sunshine State
with President Barack Obama announcing last month the restoration of
diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Depending
on what happens in the next few months, the distinct possibility that
Cuba could be removed from the list of terror sponsors would make
academic research and student pursuits a lot more accessible.
That's
especially good news for Florida International University, whose Cuban
Research Institute helps organize more than 70 events each semester. In
recent years, they have managed to host Cuban intellectuals and public
figures including Yoani Sanchez, a Cuban blogger known for her criticism
of the country's government.
"We're
looking forward to renewing our programs with Cuba and taking students
there," said Sebastian Arcos, director of FIU's Cuban Research
Institute.
"It's going to
be good for the university because it will unshackle us. … What you
don't want is the topic you're studying to be boring. And with
yesterday's news, the next few months are going to be very interesting."
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