Student Union
- By Amanda Scott
Chinese Student Apologizes for Controversial Graduation Remarks
In a commencement speech Sunday at the University of Maryland, Yang described her experience of landing in the United States and not having to wear any of her five air pollution masks.
"People often ask me, 'Why did you come to the University of Maryland? I always answer, 'Fresh air," Yang said in her address.
She went on to say that she would soon feel another kind of fresh air, that being "the fresh air of free speech."
"Democracy and freedom are the fresh air that is worth fighting for," she concluded.
Video of her speech was viewed more than 50 million times on Chinese social media prompting intense and swift reaction from commenters who accused her of lying about air quality in her hometown of Kunming.
China’s foreign ministry urged its citizens to "make remarks responsibly."
Yang issued an apology on Monday saying she had no intention of belittling her country.
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Ohio Public Colleges Told to End Race-based Scholarships
Ohio’s attorney general has ordered public colleges and universities to end merit scholarships that incorporate race-based criteria, saying they are unconstitutional.
The attorney general advised education officials that compliance with a 2023 Supreme Court decision on race-based admissions extends to scholarships, according to the Columbus Dispatch. (March 2024)
Greek Parliament Approves Branches of Foreign Universities
The Greek parliament voted to allow foreign universities to establish and operate branch campuses in the country.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the move was made to encourage Greek students to stay in the country for advanced studies, instead of going abroad for an education. (March 2024)
Virginia Bans Legacy Admissions
The state of Virginia has banned legacy admissions to public colleges and universities.
The New York Times reports the state has outlawed the practice of giving preferential admissions status to students based on connections to alumni and donors. (March 2024)
New Texas Law Prohibits Public Colleges, Universities From Having DEI Offices
A new Texas law prohibits public universities from having special programs supporting minority and LGBTQ students. Critics say these diversity, equity and inclusion programs are discriminatory and divisive. But many students say they are needed. Deana Mitchell has the story from the Texas capital.
Here’s What It Feels Like to Find Home Between Two Cultures
Cynthia Jia, a student at the University of Virginia, writes about how Chinese literature helped reconcile her to being part of two cultures. Read her story in The Cavalier Daily. (February 2024)