A recent hearing held by the subcommittee on "Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education" has brought attention to the potential dangers of Confucius institutes in the American school system. These institutes, which are funded by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have been accused of attempting to subtly infiltrate and influence American education.
During the hearing, concerns were raised about the threat posed by Confucius institutes, which are referred to as "cultural exchange outposts". Chairman of the committee, Aaron Bean, highlighted the wide-ranging implications of this threat, including academic, geopolitical, and national concerns.
Research conducted by the "Parents Defending Education" (PDE) organization was presented during the hearing, revealing that over the past decade, more than $17 million has been given to Confucius classrooms. Alarmingly, 20 of these classrooms were found to be located near American military bases, raising further suspicions about potential Chinese influence in sensitive areas.
According to Lee Edwards, Ph.D., from the Heritage Foundation, Confucius Institutes were established in the United States in 2004 with the aim of teaching Chinese language and culture to American students. However, these institutes have come under scrutiny due to their financial support from the CCP and their alignment with the Chinese government's agenda. Edwards describes them as "instruments of propaganda" and notes that instructors are reportedly instructed to avoid discussing sensitive topics in Chinese history.
The recent hearing serves as a wake-up call to the potential dangers of CCP infiltration in the American education system. It highlights the need for increased awareness, scrutiny, and safeguards to protect the integrity of American schools and ensure that education remains free from foreign influence.
