FAQs on the Implications of the U.S. Mid-Term Elections on International Educators
Q: What are the implications of the U.S. mid-term elections on International Educators?
A: The mid-term elections have cast a global shadow on the outcome of this election. The current campaigns and candidates among the anti-democracy extremists within the Republican Party demonstrate how far we still have to go to protect our democratic institutions and electoral practices. This polarization affects the practice of International Educators and the successful implementation of internationalization policies at our educational institutions.
Q: What is the NAFSA mission statement?
A: NAFSA’s advocacy mission statement states: “Global learning leads to a more engaged and welcoming United States, more responsive and participatory government, and a more secure and peaceful world…and advocates for policies that foster the exchange of ideas, a commonsense immigration process…and the evolution and improvement of democratic institutions and enlightened global engagement.”
Q: How has the U.S. political culture changed over the past few years?
A: We have only had two years to turn away from the anti-democratic and authoritarian policies and practices of the last administration; and we are still reeling from the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection and the ongoing legal battles for hundreds who rioted at the Capital. If Trump does run for president again, the normalization of violence, untruths and lies will once again poison our public discourse.
Q: What is the “diploma divide”?
A: The “diploma divide” is a widening cultural gap in the country, where college graduates in general-and Democratic college graduates in particular-tend to have different social values, cultural sensibilities, and issues priorities than the median non-college-educated voter. This divide affects the practice of international higher education and the successful implementation of internationalization policies at our educational institutions.
Q: What actions should international higher education take?
A: We cannot afford complacency. We must stand up to the challenges facing our campuses and international organizations to foster “enlightened global engagement” as the country becomes ever more divided. We must ensure that our democratic institutions and values are upheld and sustained by legislatures, state Attorney Generals, Governors and members of Congress.
Summary from globalcareercompass.blog
