Amid growing tensions between American higher-education institutions and the Trump administration, the University of Toronto has become a magnet for top American academics seeking greater academic freedom and institutional stability. Brian Rathbun and Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, both international relations professors, have recently joined the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. The couple, who previously held positions at the University of Southern California, are among a growing number of U.S. scholars who have opted to relocate to Canada in response to the administration’s increasingly contentious approach to higher education.
These developments come as the Trump administration has faced increasing criticism for its handling of university affairs, particularly regarding issues such a the so-called ‘Chinese threat’ to academia and the politicization of campus life. While the administration has argued that these measures are necessary to protect national security and intellectual integrity, critics contend that they have contributed to an environment of fear and uncertainty within academic circles.
University of Toronto officials have welcomed the arrival of Rathbun and Srinivasan Rathbun, noting that their expertise in international relations and public policy will enrich the university’s academic offerings. The institution has also announced plans to expand its international partnerships, including with U.S. universities seeking to relocate faculty members. As the situation continues to evolve, the broader implications for U.S.-Canada academic relations remain a subject of intense debate.