Four US college instructors from Iowa College, visiting China, were injured in a stabbing incident in a public park in Jilin (Northeastern Chinese province bordering North Korea and Russia). The instructors, affiliated with Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, were accompanied by a faculty member from Beihua University, their partner institution, when the incident occurred on Monday, local time.
Cornell College President Jonathan Brand stated that the instructors sustained injuries in a serious incident and assured that they were being assisted during this challenging time. Although details of the attack are still emerging, it was confirmed that the stabbing took place in Jilin City, where Beihua University is located.
The US State Department is closely monitoring the situation and is aware of the reports of the stabbing incident in China. Fortunately, no students were involved in the program at the time of the incident, as per the school's spokesperson.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed concern over the attack and stated that he is coordinating with Iowa’s federal delegation and the State Department to ensure the victims' safe return and recovery. Similarly, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst affirmed her team's readiness to assist and urged prayers for the speedy recovery of those affected.
Reports from the New York Times cited a video circulating on Chinese social media, showing three individuals lying on the ground, surrounded by bystanders. One of them was visibly injured, while another appeared to be applying pressure to a wound.
Cornell College, a private four-year institution with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, offers various majors, including biochemistry, kinesiology, engineering, computer science, and politics. The college follows a unique academic calendar divided into 18-day blocks, allowing students to focus on one course at a time.
The incident underscores the importance of safety measures for international travellers and highlights the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the well-being of students and faculty abroad.
As China and the United States aim to strengthen educational exchanges, such incidents remind us of the importance of fostering a safe and conducive environment for international cooperation and learning.
Follow us
