University leaders must understand and possibly broaden their duty-of-care responsibilities in today's volatile geopolitical environment. Ensuring that staff and students have up-to-date plans in the event of safety, health, and legal emergencies is essential. One specific area often overlooked or misunderstood is what the U.S. government can and cannot do in these situations.
What is the U.S. government’s role in civilian evacuation?
You will be disappointed if you think the cavalry will save you or your students in the wake of violence, a natural disaster, or a health emergency. As the U.S. Department of State notes, only on rare occasions will the U.S. military carry out a civilian evacuation.7 In some instances, the Department of State has chartered aircraft or arranged convoys to evacuate U.S. civilians from a dangerous area, but U.S. law mandates passengers pay for the transportation. The flight may not go to the United States but only to the nearest safe point. Once there, passengers fund their stay and onward transportation to America, and they must arrange for any needed visas, vaccinations, or other requirements that the “safe area” requires of visitors.
In 2023, the U.S. military did help U.S. civilians leave Sudan’s capital, where a civil war erupted. However, the evacuation did not occur until two weeks after the fighting began and occurred over land because flights were not possible. Drones, not soldiers, accompanied the group. The trip was long and dangerous.
What can you do to mitigate risk?
Measures, such as a well-crafted safety plan and insurance coverage, can assist and ensure an earlier and safer trip home for staff and students. When planning on an institutional level, include the risk management department, international business office, and your study-abroad team to address these matters proactively and well before trips or assignments.
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