Rhody Report Exclusive: Universities across the nation, including the University of Rhode Island, cut ties to China front group that restricts academic freedom, but not Bryant University
Top universities across the nation are cutting ties with a China front group that infiltrated many universities through the implantation and funding of “Confucius Institute” chapters on campus. As first reported by the Washington Free Beacon, 120 universities since 2014 have disbanded and refused funding due to concerns over the communist country’s influence over their rights as an American institution.
Recently, the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs published a report that cites many anti-free speech, pro-communist strings attached to the money associated with colleges and universities’ acceptance of Confucius Institute chapters on campus. The report states without question, such programs “compromise academic freedom” on campuses that accept the money.
The demands include:
- Chinese approval of all teachers, events, and speakers
- Contractual agreements with teachers to not damage the national interests of China
- Contractually agreeing to limit free speech and debate by limiting politically sensitive topics to the Chinese government such as the independence of Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989
- Some U.S. schools even contractually agree that both Chinese and U.S. laws will be enforced
Locally, the University of Rhode Island put a stop to Confucius Institute chapters at the school and turned away the money offered by China, a program they admit is an educational organization affiliated (controlled) by China’s “Ministry of Education.”
Yet despite the evidence and pleas from students, Bryant University continues to take the money and perform according to the rules dictated by the communist regime in China.
Those who support and attend Bryant University may wish to reconsider their choice to support the institution.
It is apparent that many of the young people throughout America have been pushed to question the tenants and principles America was founded. The protests and riots seen today are reflective of not only the values America’s education institutions are teaching young adults today, they happen to also be the values espoused by China and every other dictatorial, Marxist society in history.
This is not a coincidence.
Is it wise to fund an institution such as Bryant University that clearly has little concern in accepting money and influence from one of America’s greatest and most aggressive enemies?