Foreign funding in Texas universities from hostile nations threatens national security, academic freedom, and intellectual property integrity—thus necessitating stricter oversight.

Key points:

  • Foreign nations wield financial gifts as a form of soft power over Texas universities.
  • Current reporting standards under Section 117 are insufficient, as the law only captures foreign funds valued at $250k or more, thus allowing smaller, unreported donations to influence universities without transparency.
  • Three countries on the U.S. Department of State’s “watch list” are some of the biggest donors to Texas universities.
  • More than 40% of money coming from hostile nations is given in the form of contracts to medical centers and cancer centers.
  • Texas universities are receiving foreign funding through contracts, which involve the exchange of intellectual property.