East Michigan News

Seven U.S. universities have ended their joint programs with the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) following requests from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. The institutions—Dartmouth College, Temple University, University of California Davis, University of California Irvine, University of California Riverside, University of Notre Dame, and University of Tennessee—are recognized by Chairman John Moolenaar for their decision.

Chairman Moolenaar stated: “I commend these seven universities for taking decisive action to close their programs tied to the Chinese Scholarship Council—a dangerous technology transfer initiative that advances the PRC’s authoritarian ambitions. By stepping up to protect their campuses from malign foreign influence, these U.S. institutions are demonstrating real leadership and a commitment to safeguarding U.S. research and innovation. I hope more schools will follow their lead, putting the integrity of American science and our national security first.”

The committee had previously sent letters in July urging these universities to discontinue involvement with CSC programs due to concerns about academic freedom and national security. In those communications, Chairman Moolenaar wrote: "Unlike other international student programs, the CSC has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism due to concerns over academic freedom, surveillance of students, ideological control, and potential espionage. For example, CSC mandates that sponsored students return to the PRC upon completing their studies and serve the PRC for at least two years."

The committee remains focused on protecting American research from foreign influence. Last week it released an investigation titled "Ph.D. to PLA," which examined how changes in visa policy led to funding students linked to China’s military using U.S. taxpayer money.