As threats from foreign influences in the U.S. educational system have started to receive national attention, two U.S. representatives introduced a House bill last week that would counter espionage and influence campaigns on American colleges and universities by foreign entities such as the Chinese Communist Party.
Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.), announced the Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act—known by the acronym SHEET—Feb. 23 in partnership with House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.).
The legislation directs the FBI to “designate foreign intelligence threats to higher education,” and empowers the Secretary of Homeland Security to begin “removal proceedings against agents of such operations,” according to a press release the same day from Steel’s office….