At least nine top-ranked American universities send students to a Cuban school tied to Cuba’s intelligence apparatus to learn about Marxism and other regime-approved topics.The State Department report puts those friendly ties, enabled by Obama-era policies, under the microscope as President Donald Trump pressures Cuba. The island nation now faces crushing sanctions, criminal charges against former officials, and Trump’s vague threats to overthrow the communist ruling elite that has held power for more than 60 years.
The nine prestigious schools — Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Dartmouth College, and the University of Pennsylvania — organize the Cuba student opportunities via Brown University’s Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad, their websites show. Brown launched CASA and its Cuba program in 2014, announcing it would bring “the largest U.S. academic presence in Cuba” to its state-run schools such as the University of Havana.Trump’s Cuba policies are now having such an effect that Brown University paused the program for itself and partnering institutions in April, a spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. Economic blockades have led to power outages and hindered academic life for the already-struggling socialist economy, according to media reports and Cuban officials.“The uncertainty created by the current U.S.-Cuban geopolitical landscape, particularly in regard to practical, on-the-ground impacts, directly impacted recruitment efforts,” the Brown spokesperson said. “With projected enrollment shortages and that general uncertainty, the decision was for a one-semester pause. Provided conditions allow, our intent is to resume operations for Spring 2027.”“To maintain momentum in the interim and offer the chance for engagement with those involved or interested in sending students or enrolling in the program, CASA Cuba staff members — in collaboration with faculty and other experts from Brown, the University of Havana, Casas de las Americas and affiliated CASA institutions — are holding a series of virtual discussions focused on issues related to Cuba,” the Brown spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.Cornell University also confirmed the CASA Cuba program “will not be operational during the 2026-27 academic year.” The seven other American campuses and the University of Havana did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s requests for comment.‘Fertile ground for recruiting’
