State Rep. Briscoe Cain has introduced a measure to prohibit universities and public schools from entering into contracts and agreements with foreign adversaries.
The measure follows Gov. Greg Abbott’s November 2024 executive order calling for state entities to divest from existing holdings linked to the Chinese Communist Party and halt new investments in China. The action was taken after it was revealed that the investment arm of Texas A&M and the University of Texas Systems had invested in Chinese businesses.
Abbott’s executive order was meant to “harden state systems” against the CCP. It also prohibited university faculty and staff from engaging in work-related travel to China.
House Bill 2595 by State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) defines “contracts” as research partnerships, joint academic programs, faculty or staff exchanges, study abroad programs, student exchange programs, and any other form of collaboration between faculty, staff, or students.
The measure designates foreign adversaries such as Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China—including Hong Kong and Macau but excluding Taiwan.
“Protecting our universities from foreign influence is vital for maintaining the integrity of our educational system and ensuring national security,” Cain told Texas Scorecard. “House Bill 2595 guarantees that U.S. academic institutions remain free from undue external interference.”
Under Cain’s proposal, an employee would not be allowed to provide material support to any foreign adversary, whether through an academic or nonacademic endeavor.
Employees would also be prohibited from using educational materials produced or sold by a foreign adversary, unless they were approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
“By limiting partnerships, utilizing materials, and establishing cooperative relationships with entities from designated foreign adversary countries, this legislation helps prevent potential manipulation of academic research, intellectual property, and sensitive information that could threaten the nation’s security,” Cain continued.
The same restrictions would apply to public schools, with foreign educational materials requiring approval by the Texas Education Agency.
The law would not apply to games, sports, or fine arts.
“Our universities must remain independent and committed to advancing knowledge without external pressures that may conflict with our values and national safety,” Cain said. “This proactive measure is crucial for preserving the trust, integrity, and security of our educational system and our nation.”
If passed, the measure would go into effect on September 1.
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
