Defending Our Campuses: The Battle Against Islamist Influence in Education
CLARITy Coalition members rally outside the Committee on Education and the Workforce, advocating for the DETERRENT Act.
Published: 5/28/2024
Update: 4/3/2025
We are thrilled to announce on March 27, the House of Representatives passed the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act. This crucial legislation aims to curtail foreign influence on American educational institutions by lowering the disclosure threshold for foreign gifts from $250,000 to $50,000 and imposing stricter penalties on institutions that fail to comply.
This victory reflects the dedicated efforts of our CLARITy coalition and our steadfast commitment to defending the integrity of our academic and social institutions from foreign extremist influences. Our coalition submitted an institutional letter of support to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, advocating for the necessity of the DETERRENT Act, and engaged with representatives to secure their support. Stay tuned for further updates as the DETERRENT Act progresses to the Senate, where we will continue our advocacy to ensure its passage.
We are appalled by the eruption of violence, antisemitism, and open support for the terrorist organization Hamas by individuals shouting “Death to America” that took place at the U.S. college campuses last month.
These events have shaken our nation, but their unintended consequence was a much-needed wake-up call to all who cherish our freedoms and democracy.
With its commitment to the First Amendment and the rule of law, the United States–admittedly imperfect–must react to today’s restrictions on free speech and threats of violence and intimidation by Islamists and their allies.
Earlier this month, we took an important step toward that goal.
CLARITy Coalition members strategize ahead of meetings with legislators to rally support for the DETERRENT Act.
Along with our partners from CLARITy Coalition—Muslims, ex-Muslims, non-Muslims, academics, scholars, authors, and activists—-we held meetings with Congressional leaders in Washington D.C. and urged them to:
- Support the pending bipartisan DETERRENT Act (Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions Act)
- Create and join a new bipartisan “Save the West Caucus” to defend the West against attacks by Islamists and their allies on our freedoms and laws
The time for action is now, and every voice is needed. The DETERRENT Act would help expose and reduce the sources of foreign funding to U.S. universities. It represents a vital step in restoring the health of our academic institutions. It has passed the House (H.R.5933) and is currently before the Senate (S.3362). Can we count on your help?
Please urge your Senator to support the DETERRENT Act (H.R.5933/S.3362) and join the “Save the West Caucus.”
Throughout their education, our students are being indoctrinated in anti-Americanism, including by Islamists and their allies. Foreign governments, such as Qatar, and organizations that support Islamism provide a significant source of inspiration and funding for the illegal protests at colleges, as well as for the greater threat posed by anti-democratic campus radicalism.
As a result, calls for “Death to America” have spread beyond Michigan. Our universities have been turned into battlegrounds for the hearts and minds of our young people and the future of our democracy.
This virus is fast spreading and needs to be cut at its source. Please join us in urging your Senator to pass the DETERRENT Act.