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HAF pushes for transparency in foreign donations to higher education
HAF noted that the legislation is designed to close longstanding gaps in oversight and ensure that foreign influence in American academia is fully disclosed.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Fri, 15, May 2026
- 04:30 EDT
- 22
Hindu Amweican Foundation logo. / HAF
The Hindu American Foundation joined hands with 26 other organizations, including HinduACTion and The American Muslim & Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) , to submit a joint letter to the Congressional leadership in support of an act aimed at curbing foreign influence in U.S. academic campuses.
The DETERRENT Act (H.R. 1048), or Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act, is proposed U.S. legislation aiming to increase transparency regarding foreign gifts and contracts at American colleges and universities.
The act seeks to lower reporting thresholds, create a public database, and impose penalties for non-compliance to protect national security. It was passed by the House with bipartisan support, 241–169, in March 2025 and is now under consideration in the Senate.
HAF, in a statement, highlighted the significance of the legislation and said, "The legislation is designed to close longstanding gaps in oversight and ensure that foreign influence in American academia is fully disclosed and subject to accountability."
HAF also announced its decision to back the bill and said on X, "Hindu American Foundation joined 26 organizations urging the United States Congress to pass the DETERRENT Act, strengthening transparency, closing oversight gaps, and holding foreign influence in U.S. higher education accountable."
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The letter, sent to Congressional leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, reads, "there have been billions in funding from undemocratic nations to universities that have gone unreported to the US Department of Education (DOE) as mandated by Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, potentially exposing the United States to national security threats and depriving the American public of foreign funding transparency in our educational institutions."
It continued, "Section 117 does not prohibit institutions from taking foreign money; instead, it mandates accurate and transparent disclosures of sources and amounts to the federal government for public view. The time is now to pass the updated DETERRENT Act."
PRESS STATEMENT | Hindu American Foundation joined 26 organizations urging the United States Congress to pass the DETERRENT Act, strengthening transparency, closing oversight gaps, and holding foreign influence in U.S. higher education accountable.https://t.co/lKtPzHh7WY
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) May 14, 2026
Dr. Charles Asher Small, Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), one of the signatory organizations of the letter, said, "It’s paramount that we adopt the DETERRENT Act to enforce the law and safeguard our institutions."
Dr. Small added, "The time for voluntary compliance has passed. We urge Congress to act decisively to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of American academic institutions – from foreign influence and from efforts that undermine Western and liberal values while advancing extremist narratives.”
HAF noted, "The legislation introduces enhanced disclosure requirements, lowers reporting thresholds, strengthens enforcement mechanisms, and imposes penalties for non-compliance."
It continued, "It also includes provisions addressing contracts with entities tied to countries of concern, while incorporating safeguards for individual privacy. The coalition is calling on Congress to act swiftly to restore transparency, strengthen oversight, and protect the integrity of American higher education."
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