These letters express concern that these institutions may be vulnerable to foreign influence due to their receipt of foreign gifts or contracts with foreign entities. In particular, the letters highlight the danger that “countries of concern” could gain access to “highly sensitive, critical research with direct military applications” by way of gifts and donations. The letters emphasize that Section 117 of the Higher Education Act requires universities to disclose foreign gifts or contracts over a certain threshold, and that the Department of Education is prioritizing enforcement of the provision. The letters conclude by requesting details about each university’s gifts, contracts, or financial transactions received from specified countries, any safeguards they have against foreign influence, policies and procedures for complying with Section 117, and other information. The universities contacted include Bryant University, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Arizona, Georgia Institute of Technology, UC-Berkeley, MIT, Portland State University, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and UC-Irvine.
Tags: 119th (2025-2026) | educational institution | foreign influence, national security
