UMass reverses ban on Iranian grad students after pushback

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst today reversed its controversial decision to bar Iranian graduate students from enrolling in certain science and engineering programs after it was hit with a wave of criticism and charges of discrimination.

The school said it will instead develop "individualized study plans to meet the requirements of federal sanctions law and address the impact on students."

Earlier this month, UMass made the decision to forbid Iranian students from enrolling in a range of graduate programs in the fields of physics, chemistry, and microbiology, claiming the ban was necessary for the school to comply with federal sanctions involving access to nuclear engineering information.

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"We have always believed that excluding students from admission conflicts with our institutional values and principles," said Michael Malone, UMass' vice chancellor of research and engagement. "It is now clear, after further consultation and deliberation, that we can adopt a less restrictive policy."