Comment on FR Doc # 2026-13248

I write in response to the Proposed Recission of the International Education Programs Regulations of the US Department of Education. I twice benefited from the Fulbright-Hays Program: first as a PhD student for my dissertation research in Mali; and then as a young, untenured professor for research I undertook in South Africa. In both cases, a modest amount of money helped me develop professionally as a young academic geographer with expertise in Africa. These investments not only helped me personally, but they have allowed me to train hundreds and hundreds of students over a nearly 30 year career as a professor of geography. This has deepened Amercans' understanding of other parts of the world, both via the students I directly trained and others who read my published books and papers. In order for the US to remain a global leader, it needs citizens and policymakers who have a nuanced understanding of the world. Cutting such funding is short sighted and it will undermine the US position in the world. I strongly urge the US Department of Education not to carry out the Proposed Recission of the International Education Programs Regulations.