Mr. Knull said the board's new policy was open in the spirit of cultural exchange. Although the board acknowledges that the dispute is political, the center's role is not political, he said. Greg Vincent, vice provost for academic affairs, said the administration suggested the new flag policy because it tends to be accommodating. This indeed is an educational institution, and they want to emphasize that. Last week, representatives from the Chinese student group said they would withdraw from the cultural center if Taiwan's flag is hung there.
International students pay a special fee to fund programs at the center.
Group members said they would ask the university if they could stop paying the fee.