UU adopts stricter advice for researchers travelling to the US

In a message posted on its Intranet, Utrecht University (UU) advises scientists to consider the potential risks of travelling to the US. For this reason, the university recommends that scientists think carefully about the data they carry on their devices. They also suggest they avoid downloading data through a UU network while in the United States.

US Customs is authorised to request passwords which allow them access to all data on the devices carried by UU researchers. 'We have no idea what would happen to our data and devices,’ says Bart van den Berg from the Student Academic Affairs Office (Dutch acronym: SO&O). ‘We want to protect UU employees working with sensitive and advanced data and prevent scientists from disciplines now labelled as ‘woke’ in the US from getting into trouble with customs or having their research jeopardised.’

Researchers can request a travel laptop and/or phone from the IT Service Desk before going to the United States. ‘These devices have been completely cleaned. UU employees can transfer the most necessary data to them. This way, they can be sure there won't be anything in their laptops that could cause problems in the US.’

In recent weeks, several reports have been published about researchers from American government agencies who are no longer allowed to talk about gender and climate change. Additionally, a French scientist was denied entry at the American border because messages criticising Trump were found on his work computer and personal phone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently updated the travel advice for LGBTQIA+ people travelling to the US.

Exchange programmes
UU has also updated its advice to students going to American universities on exchange programmes. The university held a meeting with students going to the US to inform them ahead of departure about their registration and visa applications, among other things, and also draw their attention to the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs given the measures taken by the Trump administration.

‘There is so much news right now,’ says Ramon Ellenbroek from SO&O. ‘We are providing students with factual information. Students should know that their passports are required to indicate "Male" or "Female" to get a visa.'

‘We realise that this is very annoying and that it is considered discrimination in the Netherlands, but these sessions aim to give students correct information and prepare them to spend some time studying in another country, where people sometimes think very differently. After the meetings, we always allow everyone to discuss the matter individually.’

UU also passes on the information it receives from the American universities it partners up with to the students. ‘We warn students who go to Mexico or Canada for spring break that it is uncertain whether they will be able to return. Students should be careful as there is simply less guarantee that everything will go well.’

Freedom of speech
Unrest has erupted at American universities after the student visas of hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators were revoked. In addition, a Turkish student was arrested by masked agents in civilian clothing after writing a critical article in a university magazine about how her university dealt with the pro-Palestinian protests.

Ellenbroek: ‘We tell students that they must realise they can't shout everything they think. We have freedom of speech in the Netherlands, but that is not the case in all countries. The moment students go somewhere, they are subjected to the laws and regulations of that country. As a university, we must inform students correctly so that they know what they should do and how they can avoid risks.’