Federal Funding Pulled from Universities Employing CCP-Funded Instructors, Starting in 180 Days

The "Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act" cuts off federal funding to any college or university that employs instructors funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The law, going into effect six months after enactment, defines a "CCP-funded instructor" as anyone directly teaching students who receives funds from the CCP while working for the institution (SEC. 2). The goal? To shield U.S. higher education from potential undue influence by a foreign power.

Classroom Crackdown

This bill directly targets the financial lifeline of many universities: federal funding. If a school employs an instructor who receives CCP funding, the entire institution risks losing federal support. To get back in the government's good graces (and get the funding taps turned back on), schools have to prove to the Secretary of Education that they no longer employ any CCP-funded instructors (SEC. 2).

Real-World Ripple Effects

Imagine a scenario: A renowned physics professor, originally from China, receives a research grant that can be traced back to a CCP-affiliated institution. Under this law, the university employing that professor could lose all federal funding, impacting everything from financial aid for students to research grants for other departments. This could affect students across the board, from those relying on Pell Grants to those working in labs funded by federal dollars. Construction projects on campus, often supported by federal money, could also stall. It could also mean that a small business owner who is taking night classes to learn a new skill suddenly finds their tuition skyrocket because the school has lost federal funding for its programs.

Navigating the New Normal

While the stated aim is to protect academic integrity, the practical implications are complex. The broad definition of "CCP-funded instructor" could sweep up individuals involved in legitimate academic collaborations. Universities might become overly cautious, avoiding any partnerships with Chinese entities, even beneficial ones. There's also the risk of unfairly targeting individuals based on their funding source or national origin. It also raises the question of how to deal with a world-class professor who is the world's leading expert in their field, but the research in their field is primarily funded by China. This bill might make it impossible to ever have that person teach in the U.S. The law kicks in 180 days after enactment (SEC. 3), giving institutions a relatively short window to assess their staff and funding streams, and potentially make tough decisions.