The Morgantown City Council has taken a firm stand against proposed federal legislation that could block Chinese students from studying in the United States. The bill, known as the Stop CCP VISAs Act — short for Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia — has stirred controversy among local leaders concerned about its broad implications.
This federal proposal, introduced by U.S. Representative Riley Moore, R-W.Va., has triggered alarm among Morgantown officials, educators, and international advocates. With West Virginia University (WVU) hosting students from more than 90 countries, local leaders argue that banning Chinese students would harm the city’s commitment to cultural exchange and international cooperation.
Resolution Stems from Sister Cities Commission Letter
Morgantown’s resolution stems from a letter sent to Rep. Moore by Liz Finklea and Sarah Barnes, the chair and vice chair of the Morgantown Sister Cities Commission. In their letter, the pair voiced strong opposition to the legislation, urging the congressman to reconsider his support.
Their letter argues that the bill unfairly assumes Chinese students are security threats, violating the foundational American values of openness, fairness, and academic freedom. It also warns that such a sweeping ban would damage long-standing international relationships and weaken the goodwill built through years of citizen diplomacy.
“We respectfully urge you to reconsider your support for this legislation and instead work toward more nuanced approaches to addressing security concerns,” the letter states.
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Deep Ties with Chinese Sister City
Morgantown’s connection with China is not abstract — it is grounded in more than a decade of partnership with the Chinese city of Xuzhou, a major metropolis of 9 million people and a gateway to eastern China. The relationship began with a “Friendship City” agreement in 2012 and evolved into a formal Sister Cities partnership in 2016 under the Sister Cities International program, which was founded by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956.
Since then, the two cities have exchanged cultural, educational, and humanitarian support. A commemorative scroll from former Xuzhou Vice Mayor Chen Hui still hangs in Morgantown City Hall as a symbol of this enduring connection.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Xuzhou sent a generous shipment of medical supplies to Morgantown, including 20,000 disposable masks, 500 gowns, and 300 pairs of goggles. In 2021, the Morgantown City Council even approved $15,000 for the design of a section of an eco-park in Xuzhou dedicated to representing Morgantown and West Virginia.
Local Leaders Voice Disappointment
Several city council members expressed their frustration with the proposed legislation. Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin emphasized the importance of student exchange and international collaboration.
“I think [Chinese students] are one of the largest groups on campus. If there’s a problem, I’d prefer we deal with the specific issue rather than target an entire nationality,” Selin said. “So I’m glad we’re doing this.”
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Councilor Bill Kawecki also voiced his disappointment, saying he was disheartened that a congressman representing northern West Virginia would even consider legislation with such sweeping consequences.
Academic Freedom and Citizen Diplomacy at Risk
Finklea and Barnes also expressed concern that the Stop CCP VISAs Act undermines the stated mission of the Sister Cities Commission. They argue that such legislation runs counter to everything the Sister Cities movement stands for — especially mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace through people-to-people diplomacy.
“In Morgantown, we take this mission seriously,” their letter concluded.
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Supporters of the bill have argued that it is necessary to protect U.S. research institutions and national security interests from foreign influence and potential espionage. However, opponents believe that those concerns can be addressed without targeting all Chinese students or jeopardizing valuable international relationships.
A Broader Impact on Education and Diversity
The University system in Morgantown and throughout the U.S. relies heavily on the diversity and talent brought by international students. Chinese students, in particular, often make up one of the largest international student populations on campus. Removing their access to American education could not only reduce cultural diversity but also diminish the academic experience for all students.
As global issues increasingly require global solutions, Morgantown’s leaders are advocating for inclusion, balance, and diplomacy — not isolation or blanket restrictions. Their stance underscores a growing tension between national security interests and the values of academic freedom and global cooperation that have long defined American higher education.
For now, Morgantown has made its voice clear: protecting international relationships and student exchange programs remains a top priority.
