UMass Amherst has reversed its decision to ban Iranian nationals from certain graduate programs after its initial decision last week to keep the students out of engineering and science programs in accordance with U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Officials said last week that the move to ban Iranian nationals aligned school policy with U.S. sanctions against Iran but said Wednesday it has since consulted further with the State Department and private attorneys, The Associated Press reported.
"We have always believed that excluding students from admission conflicts with our institutional values and principles. It is now clear, after further consultation and deliberation, that we can adopt a less restrictive policy," said Michael Malone, vice chancellor for research and engagement.
The university said it will develop individualized study plans based on a student's projected coursework to meet the requirements of federal sanctions law.
Congress enacted legislation in August 2012 that denies visas for Iranian citizens to study in the U.S. if they plan to participate in coursework for a career in the energy or nuclear fields in Iran.
"We had a conversation with UMass Amherst about their decision," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday. "And also conveyed that U.S. law does not prohibit qualified Iranian nationals coming to the United States for education in science and engineering."
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