Hi Dorothy, You raise some very valid points, I think. In terms of the fact that we were late to catch Benjamin's ineligibility - I think you are 100% correct. I don't really have an excuse. As soon as someone mentioned the eligibility issue, it seemed very obvious, and silly that we hadn't caught it before - and I genuinely regret not realizing it sooner. More than anything else, I think the way this unfolded was very unfair to Benjamin. We've written directly to him apologizing - and I think he has every right to be upset, because I know it sucks to have that announcement go out and then get pulled back. At the same time, I think the bylaws are clear, and while the first announcement shouldn't have gone out, I think that once we realized he was ineligible we had no choice in terms of his funding. In terms of the phrasing of "personal reasons" - I'm not 100% sure which email you're referring to, as I can't find it in this chain, but I believe it is our policy not to consider visa status in weighing a travel application - precisely for the reasons you mention. Anyway - Benjamin's visa status for Spain played no role in this discussion, nor did Dina's status, or Shahul's, or any of the other applicants. Best wishes - and very happy to discuss this further, or answer any further questions or concerns on what happened, Michael