In mid-March, the University of Oregon Chinese Flagship Program, along with four other Chinese Flagship programs (University of Washington, University of Hawaii at Manoa, San Francisco State University, and Brigham Young University) received notification from the National Security Education Program (NSEP)/ Institute of International Education (IIE) regarding the discontinuation of funding for the 2024-2028 grant cycle. This decision has not only affected the support of the remaining students in the current programs but left no Chinese Flagship Program available on the West Coast for future college learners.

As the University of Oregon Chinese Flagship students, we are deeply saddened, disappointed, and confused by this decision. We are also extremely concerned by the disparity and inequality in education this decision has exposed to the Chinese language learners on the West Coast. This doesn’t seem a well-judged decision considering the West Coast’s proximity to Asia, the significant presence of K-12 Chinese immersion programs, and the strong Chinese & Asian culture influence.

Therefore, we are calling for a change of this decision by NSEP/IIE. If you, or someone you know, will be impacted by this program cut decision, please join this urgent petition with us. We want to hear your voice! Given the current grant will end on 5/31/2024, we are hoping to gather your support as soon as possible! Please help us spread the word!