A second state law clouds question of Florida research in Cuba [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

A second state law clouds question of Florida research in Cuba
By Jerome R. Stockfisch | Tribune Staff Jerome R. Stockfisch
Published: April 30, 2015

TAMPA — An opinion by a state university system Board of Governors attorney is raising questions about how soon researchers from state schools, including the University of South Florida, might be able to­ conduct research and scholarly activity in Cuba.

President Barack Obama stirred hopes among academics eager to travel to the island nation — ­ p­articularly those in Latin American studies and marine science — when he announced April 14 that Cuba would be removed from the government’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.

But the issue is addressed in two separate sections of state law, and professors and students may have to wait until full diplomatic relations between the two countries are established. That could take years.

. . .

A statute enacted in 2006 prohibits the use of state or non-state funds by universities for activities related to travel to countries that are designated by the U.S. State Department as a sponsor of terrorism. Obama is seeking to remove Cuba from that list; his proposal is in a 45-day waiting period for Congress to react.

More:
http://tbo.com/news/education/a-second-state-law-clouds-question-of-florida-research-in-cuba-20150430/