NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden might soon have a new job.
Students at Scotland's University of Glasgow nominated Snowden for the rector position, where he would act as student representative to the school's governing body. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Phillip Capper)
According to The Independent, the controversial figure was nominated by students who wanted to show their admiration for Snowden's surveillance revelations.
In a statement, the student group lauded Snowden's "spirit of daring and self-sacrifice" and said choosing him as rector would "express disgust and horror at the open discussion in U.S. intelligence circles of assassinating someone who acted out of duty." (Via The Scotsman)
On Tuesday, Snowden's lawyer confirmed that his client would stand for election, even though he's still stuck in Moscow.
"Surely just a stunt, Julie. How could a fugitive be of use to students thousands of miles away?"
"Well, I think it's safe to say Ed Snowden isn't likely to be paying any visits to Glasgow University if he is elected." (Via BBC)
Absentee rectors aren't unusual for the University of Glasgow. Previous rectors have included Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, activist and ex-wife of the late Nelson Mandela, and Mordechai Vanunu, an Israeli nuclear technician and whistleblower. (Via University of Glasgow)
Snowden, of course, leaked information detailing massive surveillance programs run by the United States and United Kingdom. He immediately became a fugitive.
He was named runner-up for Time's 2013 Person of the Year, and The Guardian put him at the top spot in a similar feature.
University of Glasgow's rector elections will be held Feb. 17 and 18.
