(WASHINGTON) – U.S. senators raised concerns about possible foreign influence over American universities in Thursday’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee hearing.
Republican lawmakers and witnesses asked why foreign donors give money to colleges and universities and what their interests are in doing so.
According to witness Peter Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars, Qatar has given a lot of money to U.S. universities this century.
“Why? What is Qatar getting from this? We really don’t know, and it’s a question worth asking,” Wood said.
Lawmakers said they are planning to look into the matter.
“Just because somebody elsewhere contributes to our universities does not mean it is malicious,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the chairman of the committee. “We cannot prejudge, but we cannot be naive.”
Lawmakers worry about contributions from China – and also about the enrollment of foreign students.
“I hear from students all across our state all the time about barriers that they face, whether it’s getting into a class because we have too many foreign students in those classes,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).
“When professors can’t even speak our language, and we’re trying to teach American kids, it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Tuberville said.
Democrats, while concerned about who is influencing higher education, said they are more worried about U.S. cuts to education.
“While I agree that it’s important to stamp out dangerous sources of foreign influence in our higher education system, I think it’s important that we also address how cuts to research funding can increase foreign influence on the global stage and undermine U.S. competitiveness,” Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) said.
Democrats also reminded the panel about the benefits foreign students bring to campus.
“My father came to the United States as a foreign student,” said Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.). As things stand, he said, “I don’t think my dad would have been able to get a visa right now and study in the United States.”