Preventing Malign CCP Influence on Academic Institutions Act
Impact
The legislation imposes stricter reporting requirements on colleges and universities regarding financial gifts and contracts from specified foreign organizations. Institutions will need to file disclosure reports for any gifts or contracts valued at $5,000 or more from these entities. Reports will be made public, thus providing a clearer picture of foreign funding and connections, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and reducing potential nefarious influence in academic programs.
Overall
If enacted, SB768 would signify a broader movement towards greater scrutiny of foreign interactions within U.S. educational systems. It aligns with a growing legislative trend aimed at counteracting foreign efforts to influence American institutions, reinforcing the notion of safeguarding academic environments from external pressures that could compromise U.S. values and security.
Summary
SB768, titled the 'Preventing Malign CCP Influence on Academic Institutions Act,' amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require U.S. higher education institutions to disclose certain ties with organizations affiliated with the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This act aims to increase transparency regarding foreign influence in academic settings, particularly in light of growing concerns about Chinese governmental influence in U.S. institutions.
Contention
There are several points of contention surrounding SB768. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to safeguard academic integrity and protect national interests by mitigating the potential for foreign governments to exert influence on U.S. educational institutions. Critics, however, raise concerns about the implications for academic freedom and the potential chilling effect on international collaborations that might arise from rigorous disclosure requirements. They fear that excessive regulation could stifle beneficial partnerships and research funding options.
Securing American Families and Enterprises from People's Republic of China Investments Act or the SAFE from PRC Investments Act This bill requires certain issuers of securities and funds traded on an exchange to report on connections to China or the Communist Party of China. In particular, an issuer with specified connections to China must annually disclose a variety of details, including whether executive-level employees, senior directors, or board members are members of the Communist Party of China; interactions with the party; expenditures in China; expenditures in the United States regarding operations and lobbying activities; and the ability of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to audit the issuer. Additionally, an exchange-traded fund that invests in a Chinese company must annually disclose about that company ownership information, party involvement, whether the company participates in specified Chinese policies or activities, any ties to U.S.-sanctioned individuals, and the types of products or services produced by the company.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.