Feds invited to weigh in on Fla Cuba travel law

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Posted on Tuesday, 05.17.11
Feds invited to weigh in on Fla Cuba travel law
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court has invited the Obama administration to file a brief on a Florida law barring public schools and universities from using state money for travel to Cuba.

The 2006 law prohibited the money from going to U.S. designated state sponsors of terror: including Iran, Sudan and Syrian. But in Florida, Cuba was the target.

The ACLU and several state universities asked the court in March to review the law. A federal court declared it unconstitutional in 2008, but an appeals judge later reinstated it last year.

The Miami Herald reported the ACLU argues the law infringes on the federal government's ability to set foreign policy. Earlier this year, Obama eased restrictions on academic travel to Cuba. Florida schools say the state law puts them at a disadvantage.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/17/2220647/feds-invited-to-weigh-in-on-fla.html

[Drale]

1. I don't think schools should be taking kids out of the country in the first place

There are plenty of educational and worthwhile places to see right here in our own country.

[damntexdem]

2. And better not take them out of state -- plenty to learn in-state.

In fact, prohibit their going out of locality -- they'll only want to go play in or watch sporting events in some other locality.

In fact, better keep them on campus or in the building, if there's only one.

Hey, why do they need to experience more than one class room, and possibly a restroom and/or cafeteria?

In fact, make them stay on their own sides of the classroom.

Meanwhile, true education involves experiences, including experiences abroad -- and sometimes some study or research abroad.

[makhno]

3. That's neither here nor there

Why single out Cuba as a forbidden foreign destination?

Also, this doesn't only affect kids, as public universities fall under the same law.

[jmowreader]

4. I thought it was illegal to spend US money in Cuba anyway

Is this like one of those absolute abortion bans that will take effect the second the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade?