Not a Gentleman, but a Scholar

Saudi Man Charged with Plotting Terrorist Attack

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari was a Saudi national on scholarship to a college in Texas and had been plotting for years. OK, I don’t know how forthcoming the Saudi government is about the educational background of its students, but I would have vetted rigorously if I were on that scholarship committee. Not because he was Saudi. I believe it should be done across the board for any foreign national applying to study in the United States. Not just for scholarships, but for admission to the university. I would try to find as many essays written and obtain character references. I’d even administer psychological testing before they even have a shot at entrance.

I do not believe in denying education to foreign nationals. I still regret not studying abroad when I was in college and carefree. It can be a very enriching experience if they come here, or if some of our students choose to study abroad. We just have to be extremely selective of the students who will have the privilege.