The House Oversight Committee recently announced they’re diving into the topic of foreign funding at American colleges and universities. This move highlights concerns about the Biden administration’s alleged slack enforcement of federal reporting standards. It’s a case of picking up where former President Trump’s administration left off, as the Biden team had previously halted these investigations.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer and Virginia Foxx, who’s also a key player on the committee, are steering this investigation. They pointed out that foreign countries have funneled more than $57 billion into U.S. educational institutions since 1981. In a letter to Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter, they expressed concerns that many universities have not reported funds received since 2020.
The lawmakers brought attention to Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which requires colleges getting federal aid to file detailed funding reports twice a year. They reminded everyone of a previous investigation during Trump’s presidency that uncovered $6.5 billion in unreported foreign funds. This illustrates a persistent issue that needs addressing for the sake of transparency and national security.
Their letter emphasizes the threat posed by foreign influences, particularly from nations at odds with U.S. interests. Comer and Foxx are committed to ensuring the Department of Education safeguards American academia from these influences. They’re determined to protect the nation’s academic freedom and national security from being compromised.
The committee has asked Denise Carter for a list of Section 117 compliance investigations since January 20, 2021. They’re also interested in knowing which investigations have been wrapped up since then and any cases of noncompliance referred to other authorities. The lawmakers expect to receive this information by March 5.
Fox News highlighted the emphasis on closing loopholes that might allow foreign adversaries to exert influence over American educational institutions. The concern is that these financial contributions could come with strings attached, influencing the curriculum or research priorities.
Newsmax reports that this investigation isn’t just about numbers; it’s about protecting the integrity of American education. There’s a real worry that unchecked foreign funding could lead to biased research or teaching that doesn’t align with American values.
The New York Post noted that the push for transparency is a return to the policies championed by Trump, aiming to hold educational institutions accountable. This accountability is seen as crucial in maintaining trust in the education system.
Supporters of the investigation argue that foreign influence has been a long-standing issue that needs urgent attention. They believe that by reviving these investigations, Congress is taking a necessary step to protect the country’s educational institutions.
Critics of the Biden administration accuse it of being too lenient on foreign funding disclosures. They argue that without strict enforcement, foreign entities could have undue sway over the U.S. education system, potentially affecting everything from research agendas to campus policies.
The investigation is a reminder of the broader geopolitical struggles playing out on campuses. It’s a call to ensure that foreign funding doesn’t undermine American values or educational standards.
The committee’s actions are being closely watched by conservative circles, who see it as a vital step in safeguarding national interests. They argue that transparency and accountability are essential in maintaining the integrity of educational institutions.
This renewed focus on foreign funding is seen as part of a larger effort to ensure that American institutions remain free from undue influence. By holding universities accountable, lawmakers hope to preserve the independence and excellence of U.S. higher education.
As the investigation unfolds, many are curious to see how the Biden administration will respond to these allegations. The outcome could have significant implications for how foreign funding is managed in the future.
am I the only one that knows WHY allowing the FEDs to control of our STATE owned universities was a communist/bad idea? (Bobby Kennedy & National Guard)
Not only has OUR higher education universities been compromised by foreign donations to these universities it is also the professors who are leading these foreign countries to donate monies so they can brainwash OUR youth into believing OUR way of life and law are wrong and to embrace the DEI mantra and become something they are not, like believing a man can become a woman or a woman a man. Wake up AMERICA and defeat these degenerate and deadly ideas that is destroying this country.
Deep infiltration by forces and nefarious entities around the globe that America and its Citizens destroyed!
This is the game the Marxist plays which is why our Universities and Colleges are chock-full of them acting as puppeteers with so many young minds at the ends of their strings!
Sorry-nefarious entities around the globe that *want* America and its Citizens destroyed!