Not All Who Wander Are Lost, But Fulbright Scholars Might Be: A Board Vanishes!

A Fellowship of Unease

Hmph. News has reached even my ancient ears of a disturbance a shadow stirring in the realm of academia. It seems the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board a body of twelve wise souls has laid down its staffs one might say. They claim the long arm of the shall we say *previous* administration has meddled in matters best left to those who hold the threads of knowledge not the reins of power. 'Fool of a Took!' one might exclaim but alas it is no hobbitish prank.

The Vanishing Act of the Board

Like a Balrog shrouded in shadow and flame the State Department under current guidance has allegedly denied Fulbright awards to many worthy scholars for the coming year. Moreover there is talk of an 'unauthorized review,' a sifting of souls if you will among 1,200 foreign recipients already chosen. 'You shall not pass!' seems to be the new motto though I suspect it is used less for guarding bridges and more for guarding…well who knows what they guard these days?

One Does Not Simply Deny Fulbrights

The Board led by one Jed Katz who I am told dabbles in ventures (though not I presume the perilous kind I'm accustomed to) declared that these actions defy not only the rules but the very spirit of Fulbright – a spirit of free exchange of minds meeting across borders a grand council of intellect! It is said that Congress in its infinite wisdom intended the Fulbright Board to have the final say not to be mere puppets dancing to a political tune.

The Council Departs

And so like the Elves departing Middle earth this Board comprised of esteemed individuals who once advised Presidents and penned their very words has decided enough is enough. They've cast off their mantles rather than endorse actions that in their view compromise U.S. interests and undermine the Fulbright program's sacred mission. 'Fly you fools!' they might as well have cried though perhaps to a different destination.

A Shadow Lengthens

The New York Times that chronicler of modern woes first reported this exodus. The Board in a statement worthy of the White Council itself insists that their decision was overwhelming a unified front against what they perceive as an unlawful intrusion. They speak of a process spanning a year carefully managed by dedicated staff and Embassies now seemingly cast aside like old letters from a forgotten age.

Breaking News Breaking Trust

This my friends is a breaking of trust a fracturing of bridges built over decades. Whether the motivations are as dark as Mordor or merely misguided as a hobbit lost in Mirkwood remains to be seen. But I Gandalf Grey Pilgrim and bearer of uncomfortable truths fear this is a sign of darker times ahead for the pursuit of knowledge and understanding across our fragile world. Now I must consult my maps... and perhaps brew a strong cup of tea.