Harvard and other elite universities have come under increased scrutiny for their admission policies that have allowed foreign students, particularly from China, to gain access to American educational institutions. This situation has raised concerns about national security, the influence of foreign money on American education, and the potential impact on American policy. The author of the article argues that these admissions prioritize financial support from foreign entities over the national interests of the United States, undermining the institution’s role in fostering American leadership and shaping the country’s future in key industries and sectors.
The piece highlights the traditional role of these universities in training future leaders, especially in politics, sciences, and business, and how they have historically been a gateway to the nation’s most powerful circles. However, the author questions why these institutions continue to welcome students from countries that are ideological and political adversaries, particularly China, which may seek to undermine American interests by embedding its influence within the nation’s leadership and academic systems. The article suggests that this infiltration is not coincidental, but rather a strategic move to exert influence on American policies and institutions through the recruitment and integration of students from adversarial nations.
The financial aspect of this issue is also emphasized, with the author pointing to the significant contributions from foreign governments and donors to these institutions. For example, it is reported that Harvard received over $151 million from foreign governments and over a billion dollars from foreign donors in recent years. The author argues that these financial contributions are not just a matter of philanthropy, but rather represent a form of foreign influence that shapes the priorities, research, and decision-making processes of these institutions. The author also cites the example of the handling of the pandemic, where significant financial support from China may have influenced how the United States approached the crisis, suggesting a broader pattern of foreign influence on American policies through the presence of foreign students at these elite institutions.
In response to these concerns, the article calls for a more rigorous examination of the admission policies of these universities and a shift towards a more nationalistic and self-reliant approach. It suggests that the United States should prioritize institutions that align more closely with American values and interests, and that the current model of elite universities, which have become conduits for foreign influence, should be reconsidered. The author concludes by advocating for a return to a model where these institutions serve the national interest rather than becoming bastions of foreign influence, calling for policies that protect American universities from the encroachment of foreign powers and ensure they remain true to their founding principles.