Scottish University Elects Edward Snowden as Its New Rector

The University of Glasgow elects a rector every few years to represent its students and to help administer university resources. That's the theory. In practice, students use the vote and the candidates to make a statement about some aspect of world affairs. No one expects the elected officials, who are often highly visible, globally known figures, to be involved in the academic institution's daily operations.

Edward Snowden

If history is any guide, the Glaswegian students are a feisty lot. According to a Financial Times article, the U's voters have nominated and elected figures such as Winnie Mandela to the rectorship. This year, the University of Glasgow student body has outdone its predecessors by electing none other than Edward Snowden as the university's next rector.

One can only wonder what the American government, which has branded Snowden a traitor, thinks of this development.