Gallagher Urges University Presidents to Address Threat Posed by the CCP

Representative Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin, delivered a speech on Monday at the annual meeting of the Association of American Universities. He addressed dozens of university presidents, urging them to be aware of the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to their institutions.

The CCP’s Exploitation of American Society

Gallagher highlighted how the CCP has taken advantage of the openness of American society, particularly within the higher education system, for its own benefit. He emphasized that the CCP’s goal is not mutual benefit, but rather to leverage technological advances, spread coercive influence, and strengthen its international position while eroding that of the United States.

Protecting Students from CCP Harassment

Gallagher called on universities to better protect their students from CCP harassment and attacks. He also advocated for Congress to take steps to prohibit the operation of student groups that receive funding or direction from adversarial governments like China’s, which seek to repress students on American campuses.

Preserving Academic Freedom

Gallagher expressed concern that the CCP is compromising academic freedom, undermining American values, and expanding their Orwellian police state to U.S. soil. He shared stories of Chinese students being harassed, followed, and physically attacked for simple offenses that stray from the CCP party line. Many of these students fear reprisal from the CCP against them and their families in China.

Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSA)

Gallagher highlighted the issues posed by Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSA), which he believes are a bigger problem than Confucius Institutes. These groups, which operate under the guidance or leadership of the Chinese embassy, often restrain the free speech and liberty of Chinese students studying abroad.

Rethinking Collaborations and Financial Transparency

Gallagher urged universities to reconsider collaborations with researchers and institutions affiliated with the CCP or the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He also emphasized the need for transparency regarding foreign investments and financial ties with adversary regimes. Gallagher called on Congress to enforce laws that require universities to disclose any foreign money.

Universities and Foreign Influence

Gallagher expressed concern about the influence of foreign entities on American universities. He warned that tax-advantaged entities should not fund Chinese military technologies that could target American service members. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of universities restricting outbound capital investment into China.

Attendees and Gallagher’s Role

The specific universities that attended Gallagher’s remarks are unknown. However, the Association of American Universities consists of 71 institutions, including Boston University, Columbia University, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Yale University. Gallagher chairs the House Permanent Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which was created to address the threat posed by Beijing, a threat that has been acknowledged by national security officials from both Republican and Democrat administrations.