The U.S. Department of Education's Office of the General Counsel has initiated an investigation into the University of Michigan concerning foreign funding disclosures. The inquiry follows a review that found inaccuracies and incomplete information in the university's reports on foreign contributions.
According to Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, institutions receiving federal financial aid must disclose any foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more annually. Chief Investigative Counsel Paul Moore commented on the situation, stating, “Despite the University of Michigan’s history of downplaying its vulnerabilities to malign foreign influence, recent reports reveal that UM’s research laboratories remain vulnerable to sabotage... As the recipient of federal research funding, UM has both a moral and legal obligation to be completely transparent about its foreign partnerships.”
The investigation will require the University of Michigan to provide records within 30 days related to foreign funding from January 1, 2020, onward. This includes tax records, written agreements with foreign entities regarding student admissions and research collaborations, and identification details for personnel involved in international engagements.
In January 2025, UM terminated its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University following concerns raised by John Moolenaar from the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. These concerns centered around potential military uses for joint research efforts.
Last month saw further scrutiny as multiple Chinese nationals faced criminal charges related to smuggling biological materials into UM laboratories—an act potentially linked to agroterrorism according to U.S. Department of Justice allegations.
Today's investigation aligns with ongoing efforts under President Trump's administration to ensure transparency regarding foreign influence at American universities through adherence to federal disclosure laws.
