The Latin American Studies Association expresses its deep consternation over the decision by the United States government to cancel visas for Chilean researchers who were scheduled to participate in our International Congress, held on May 23-26 in San Francisco. In the days leading up to the start of the congress, whose central theme this year is Putting the Body on the line in Latinx America, journalist Nicolás Sepúlveda, feminist activist Sibila Sotomayor of the LASTESIS Collective, and writer Ariel Florencia Richards were informed of a change in the status of their travel visas. Shortly thereafter, they received an official notice indicating that their travel was not authorized.
This unfortunate and unjustified decision represents a serious violation of academic freedom and directly affects our Association, and the critical thought that LASA seeks to promote. We demand that the United States government respect the work that professional associations like ours have carried out for decades in favor of academic dialogue, interregional collaboration, and continental integration.
LASA Executive Council
About LASA
The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of whom reside outside the United States, LASA is the one association that brings together experts on Latin America from all disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors, across the globe. LASA's mission is to foster intellectual discussion, research, and teaching on Latin America, the Caribbean, and its people throughout the Americas, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate.
If you wish to interview a LASA Executive Council member, you can contact the LASA communications office at (412) 648-7929 or send an email to lasa@lasaweb.org.