WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced new legislation that would cut off some federal funding to U.S. universities that perpetuate administrative bloat and advance ideological agendas under the guise of education.
“The tax dollars of hard-working American families are going to ultra-wealthy universities – like Columbia and Harvard – that support (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs while churning out graduates who riot for the destruction of Israel and desecrate the American flag,” Lee said after introducing the No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act in the Senate.
“It is a disgrace, which is why I introduced this legislation to cut off certain funding streams to the richest universities.”
In recent weeks, the campuses of U.S. universities have been the scene of numerous pro-Palestinian protest and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent.
As of May 10, the New York Times reported political unrest has disturbed the tranquility of dozens of campuses since early April, disrupting final exams and commencement exercises.
The fresh wave of student activism against the war in Gaza was sparked by the arrests of at least 108 protesters at Columbia University on April 18, after administrators appeared before Congress and promised a crackdown.
With the approval of university administrators, police have since then clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters on dozens of college campuses in early May, arresting students, removing encampments and threatening academic consequences.
More than 2,800 people have been arrested or detained on campuses across the country, but the protests continue at many institutions.
Lee’s legislation specifically aims to eliminate indirect cost reimbursements on federal research grants for universities with endowment exceeding $5 billion. If enacted, it will also impose stringent accountability measures on how those institutions utilize taxpayer funds, especially in their administrative and diversity departments.
Lee is not alone in seeking to rein in unchecked federal spending for universities. His legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) in the Senate and U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) on the other side of the Capitol.
“Billions in taxpayer dollars for scientific research at wealth universities – like Columbia and Harvard – are being hijacked to finance radical DEI agendas,” according to Cline.
“Congress has a duty to intervene, enduring that these dollars are dedicated to legitimate research purposes, not to advance the Left’s political doctrine on our campuses.”
Lee’s staff emphasize that indirect cost reimbursements have historically been used by institutions of higher learning to cover vague expenses including department overheads and building maintenance.
Those reimbursement would be capped at a maximum of 8 percent for institutions with endowments of between $2 billion and $5 billion and 15 percent for all others.
Lee’s proposal would also require that institutions receiving federal grant money to disclose the allocation of funds toward DEI staffing, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“If they want to trash their reputations as academic institutions,” Lee insists, “they can do it on their own dime.”