Duval Times

Foreign adversaries, particularly China, have been increasing their efforts to infiltrate American colleges and K-12 schools in order to steal research, spread propaganda, and silence students and academics. In response to this growing threat, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and his colleagues have introduced the Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act.

Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of American schools, stating, "The integrity of our schools is one of the most basic guarantees that we should give to our students. Current federal policies to protect our students from adversaries are incomplete and disappointing. The U.S. is being infiltrated through its educational institutions. This bill aims to close those gaps, securing a robust defense against malign foreign influence in our classrooms."

Joining Senator Rubio as original cosponsors of the bill are Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Tim Scott (R-SC). Senator Rick Scott highlighted the need to take action against China's theft of U.S. technology and intellectual property, stating, "It’s a universally accepted truth that Communist China is stealing U.S. technology and intellectual property from institutions of higher learning. We cannot allow the U.S. federal government to sit back and let this dangerous espionage happen. Now is the time to take a stand against this madness, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting to pass the Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act to better protect America’s colleges and universities."

The Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act has received endorsements from the National Association of Scholars and Parents Defending Education Action. The National Association of Scholars commended Senator Rubio and his staff for their efforts to safeguard American higher education, stating, "Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act ensures that colleges and universities remain a public good for the people of the United States. The Act builds on the momentum of previous work to ensure transparency and adds a layer of repercussion for colleges and universities subordinating American education to the mission of foreign advisories."

Parents Defending Education Action also expressed their support for the legislation, emphasizing the need to protect students from influence by America's known enemies. The Director of Federal Affairs for Parents Defending Education Action, Michele Exner, stated, "The bill introduced by Senator Rubio takes a comprehensive and strategic look at the problem set. If signed into law, this bill will protect students from being exposed to influence from America’s known enemies. PDE Action is proud to support this legislation and looks forward to working with the Senator and every Member of Congress who wants to address foreign influence in schools."

Senator Rubio has consistently been an advocate for countering foreign influence in America's education system. In the past, he has filed amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to address this issue.

The Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act aims to strengthen the defense against foreign adversaries' influence in the U.S. education system. By addressing the gaps in current federal policies, this legislation seeks to safeguard American colleges and K-12 schools from covert tactics and ensure the security of students and the integrity of education in the United States.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-u-s-schools-from-chinas-influence/