US President Donald Trump has ordered closer scrutiny of American universities and the accrediting bodies that regulate them.
It's part of his growing campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” and growing efforts to ensure diversity in education.
In a series of orders signed on Wednesday, Mr. Trump took steps against universities he sees as liberal opponents of his political agenda.
One order called for stricter enforcement of a federal law requiring universities to disclose their financial ties to foreign sources, while another sought to reorganize the accrediting bodies that determine whether universities can receive federal financial aid available to students.
Universities' financial ties to foreign sources have long been a concern for Republicans, particularly regarding ties to China and other countries with conflictual relationships with the United States.
The issue became a priority during Trump's first term and came to the fore again last week as the administration sought to shore up its influence in an escalating fight with Harvard University.
The White House said action was needed because Harvard and other universities routinely violate a federal disclosure law that has been poorly enforced since it was passed in the 1980s.
The law, known as section 117 of the Higher Education Act, requires universities to disclose overseas gifts and contracts worth $250,000 (£188,455) or more.
In the order, Mr. Trump calls on the Education Department and the attorney general to strengthen enforcement of the law and take action against universities that violate it, including cutting off federal funding.
The Trump administration intends to “end the secrecy surrounding foreign funds at American educational institutions” and protect against “foreign exploitation,” the order says.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
