Agenda Summary
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In support of a fair and dignified resolution for an international graduate student at Tufts University.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville recognizes the important contributions that international students, scholars, researchers, and workers make to our community, our institutions of higher education, and our Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Tufts University is an important educational and economic institution in the City of Somerville and has a responsibility to uphold principles of fairness, academic integrity, due process, and respect for all members of its community; and
WHEREAS: An international graduate student at Tufts University has experienced significant hardship arising from a dispute concerning her academic standing and the circumstances surrounding the termination of her program; and
WHEREAS: The Medford City Council previously adopted a resolution expressing concern about the treatment of this student and calling upon Tufts University to address the circumstances surrounding her case; and
WHEREAS: Since the adoption of that resolution, circumstances have changed, and the appropriate path forward is not to seek the student's reinstatement at Tufts University, but rather to ensure that the student has the best possible opportunity to move forward with her education and career; and
WHEREAS: Allegations have been raised that grades were changed in retaliation for the student's exercise of her rights and advocacy concerning her treatment, and that these changes have the potential to cause continuing and significant harm to her academic and professional future; and
WHEREAS: The preservation of retaliatory or otherwise improperly altered grades on a student's academic transcript can create lasting barriers to further education, employment, professional advancement, and immigration-related opportunities; and
WHEREAS: The student has also experienced significant financial hardship as a result of the circumstances surrounding...
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