Representative Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) has expressed concern over American educational institutions hosting Chinese official Huang Ping, who is known for his affiliation and support of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This criticism comes in the wake of reports that Huang has been visiting universities across the United States with an aim to fortify U.S.-China relations.
"Communist China has no place in American schools and universities. This is a disgrace," said Steel, who represents California.
Huang, despite denying allegations of genocide against the Uyghurs by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in several interviews, has been a guest at numerous American universities. These include Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University. Recently, he was a speaker at the International Education Symposium at Teachers College of Columbia University. Huang has also engaged with elected officials in certain states such as Pennsylvania and New York. Furthermore, Fox News reported that he had previously expressed admiration for the CCP and their agenda on an undisclosed platform.
According to a post on this undisclosed platform, Huang wrote: "My honor to speak at Int'l Education Symposium 'Cross-Fertilization of Culture & Education for Common Good', celebrating 100th anniversary of Int'l Institute of Teachers College at Columbia University, with educators from China, US&beyond. Hope to strengthen this strong historic connections!"
Several representatives including Steel and Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP, have publicly criticized CCP influence and funding within American universities. In October, Gallagher highlighted concerns surrounding CCP influence in American universities with specific reference to organizations like Confucius Institutes and Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs). These organizations are affiliated with the CCP and have sparked concerns about potential suppression of free speech and influence on campus climates. Gallagher noted that as of 2021 there were 150 CSSA chapters across America including institutions like Georgetown and the University of Tennessee, as per a press release from the Select Committee on the CCP.
Steel stated in a press release from her office: "As our college campuses are subjected to the rampant spread of antisemitism and the continued presence of CCP influence campaigns, it is critical that we expose the forces attempting to influence our children. When foreign governments give money to our universities, they don’t do it out of the goodness of their hearts; they want something in return. Whether it’s terror friendly states like Qatar and Iran, or brutal human rights abusers like the CCP, our campuses must not become puppets of countries who hate America."
Steel, originally from Seoul, South Korea, has been representing California's 45th Congressional District since January 2023 and is currently running for re-election. She holds a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. Prior to her current role, she served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the California Board of Equalization. In addition to these roles, Steel is also a member of several committees including the Select Committee on the CCP as reported by Ballotpedia.
