By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has issued a warning to its 72,000 members to avoid non-essential travel to the United States, citing rising concerns about border scrutiny and political interference in academic work.

In an interview, CAUT Vice-President Robin Whitaker said the advisory stems from a combination of troubling developments — notably, reports of Canadian researchers being subjected to politically charged vetting and the risk of detention or data inspection at U.S. border crossings.

“In our view, unless it’s necessary and essential, [Canadian academic staff] should opt not to travel to the U.S. right now,” Whitaker said, adding that the current climate poses a threat to academic freedom and the confidentiality of research data.

The advisory follows a controversial questionnaire circulated to Canadian researchers whose projects are funded in whole or in part by U.S. federal agencies. The questionnaire, linked to Trump administration policies, asks researchers to affirm that their work excludes references to climate or environmental justice, gender theory, or diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and that it supports American global influence. It also inquires whether their institutions restrict collaboration with entities deemed “contrary to U.S. government interests,” including “communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties”.

“This is an outrageous attempt to impose political litmus tests on international research,” Whitaker said. “It has already crossed the line into targeting academic freedom across borders.”

According to Whitaker, academics with ties to countries in diplomatic conflict with the U.S., dual citizens, individuals with recent travel to flagged countries, or those with transgender identities are at greater risk of being stopped or questioned at the border. “We’ve heard many stories about people being detained or having their devices searched,” she said. “That raises real concerns — including for researchers like myself who’ve worked on sensitive topics such as abortion access.”

While no recent incidents involving Canadian academics have been made public, Whitaker said CAUT’s guidance is informed by mounting anecdotal reports and the broader climate of repression at U.S. universities. “We’ve seen the Trump administration attacking universities and academic freedom — that reach is now extending, in some cases, right to the border,” she said.

CAUT has not laid out a rigid definition of “essential travel,” choosing instead to leave that decision to individuals. “But if someone came to me saying they’re thinking about attending a conference, I’d tell them to think very carefully,” said Whitaker.

The association is also urging the federal government to intervene, particularly to support Canadian researchers who might face funding disruptions due to U.S. policy changes. “We need a made-in-Canada solution,” CAUT Executive Director David Robinson said in a previous statement. “Ottawa must step up to ensure the vital research that is being threatened by the U.S. is properly funded and supported”.

Whitaker noted that while some U.S. university leaders have taken a stand against government overreach, the overall situation remains “not good for any of us.” She stressed the potential for wide-reaching consequences beyond the academic world. “This doesn’t just affect university researchers,” she said. “It might affect anyone hoping for the best possible flu vaccine next year if the U.S. pulls out of multinational collaborations.”

CAUT’s full travel advisory and related statements are available on its website.