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Senate Passes CONFUCIUS Act to Curb China's Influence on US Universities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Senate unanimously passed the Concerns Over Nations Funding University Campus Institutes in the United States (CONFUCIUS) Act, legislation aimed at reducing the Chinese government's influence on American colleges and universities through its Confucius Institutes. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced the bill to address concerns about Confucius Institutes' suppressing free speech on American college campuses. The act gives colleges and universities full control over their resident Confucius Institutes and restores freedom of thought on their campuses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CONFUCIUS Act requires Confucius Institutes to protect academic freedom, prohibit the application of any foreign law, and grant full control to the hosting university.
  • The bill withholds federal funding from colleges and universities that host Confucius Institutes not in compliance with these provisions.
  • Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced the legislation to address concerns about Confucius Institutes' suppressing free speech on American college campuses.
  • Cosponsors of the legislation include Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).
  • The Senate previously passed the legislation unanimously in the 116th Congress.
  • There are at least 55 Confucius Institutes on US soil, with 48 located on university or college campuses.
  • The College Republican National Committee and the College Democrats of America called for the closure of all Confucius Institutes in the US in a joint letter in May 2020.
  • Confucius Institutes can threaten universities by withholding funding to achieve their objectives, such as regulating speech the Chinese government opposes.

Statistics:

  • 55 Confucius Institutes are currently operating on US soil (National Association of Scholars)
  • 48 of these Confucious Institutes are located on university or college campuses (National Association of Scholars)
  • 100% of Senate votes in favor of passing the CONFUCIUS Act (March 4, 2021)
  • May 2020: College Republican National Committee and College Democrats of America called for the immediate and permanent closure of all Confucius Institutes in the US (joint letter)

Sources:

  • Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), news release, March 4, 2021
  • National Association of Scholars
  • College Republican National Committee, and College Democrats of America, joint letter, May 2020
  • Congress.gov, bill text, CONFUCIUS Act

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