The Defense Department previously notified Duke of errors in funding designations that violate the Higher Education Act of 1965.
The Departments of State and Education announced investigations into Duke University (Duke) and the University of North Dakota (UND) after a review of records showed the institutions submitted “incomplete, inaccurate, and untimely disclosures” of foreign funding. Last month, the Pentagon officially notified Duke, as well as other research universities, to conduct reviews of its academic, financial, and research collaborations with foreign entities of concern.
Under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, foreign gifts equaling or larger than $250,000 must be reported in the interest of protecting U.S. national security and avoiding unknown foreign involvement in higher education institutions.
“Unfortunately, it appears that both Duke and UND have provided untimely and incomplete foreign funding disclosures, which include erroneously identifying certain governmental partners as ‘non-governmental,’” said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. “Section 117 requires that institutions of higher education clearly and accurately report their foreign financial ties in a timely manner — to ensure public transparency and as a condition of participating in the federal student aid programs. We expect these universities will cooperate fully.“
“Our reviews found real gaps in how Duke and UND have handled their Section 117 obligations — disclosures submitted late, key details left out, and at least one foreign government partner mischaracterized as a non-governmental entity,” said Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers. “The law is clear: colleges and universities must report foreign gifts and contracts accurately and on time. We expect Duke and UND will work with us transparently as this review moves forward.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Under Secretary Rogers and Under Secretary Kent as their agencies partner to oversee the investigation into universities’ receipt of foreign funding.
- For Education and State Department officials as they review the records related to foreign funding at Duke and UND.
- For university financial advisors and officials to understand and comply with federal laws regulating the reporting of foreign funding and participation in federal student aid.
Sources: Department of Education
