Lee Targets University Subsidies, DEI Funding
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), joined by Representative Ben Cline (R-Va.) and co-sponsored by Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), is taking aim at federal subsidies to elite universities that bolster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
“Taxpayer dollars from hardworking American families are flowing to ultra-wealthy universities like Columbia and Harvard, propping up woke DEI programs while churning out graduates who despise our country and support the destruction of Israel,” Lee stated.
DEI Funding Under Scrutiny
Lee’s bill, the No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act, targets indirect cost reimbursements, which are less easily tracked than direct costs for research equipment. The measure proposes these measures:
- Eliminate indirect cost reimbursements for research subsidies at universities with endowments exceeding billion.
- Cap indirect costs at 8% for institutions with endowments between billion and billion.
- Impose a 15% cap for all other institutions.
DEI Programs Under Fire
The senator argues that the emphasis on DEI at universities has created a disgrace, pointing to recent anti-Israel protests and riots. He emphasizes that these programs often foster hostility towards Jews and undermine academic integrity.
Billions Misdirected
Cline adds, “Billions in taxpayer dollars intended for scientific research at affluent universities are being misappropriated to bankroll radical DEI agendas. This misuse is a blatant betrayal of Americans.”
The bill mandates universities with annual indirect costs exceeding million to disclose how much of those funds are used to compensate DEI staff.
Columbia University in the Spotlight
Columbia University, which has faced media scrutiny for anti-Israel protests, received the highest amount in indirect cost reimbursements for research grants in fiscal 2022, totaling 1 million. Lee’s proposal would require the school to account for how these funds are allocated to DEI administrators.
In a bold move to address the rising costs of college and the growing influence of political agendas on campuses, Lee’s legislation aims to redirect federal subsidies towards genuine research endeavors that benefit the nation and ensure the integrity of higher education.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
