KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The University of Tennessee, just after receiving a letter from the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has terminated a program that allowed Chinese graduate students to study at the university.
The move came two days after the university system received the letter from Republican Michigan Rep. John Moolenaar and will affect three students, a university representative confirmed. The letter raised questions about the program, but did not specifically ask UT to end it.
More specifically, Moolenaar claimed the China Scholarship Council, the Chinese counterpart in the arrangement, was “one of the nefarious mechanisms” that the Chinese Communist Party uses to develop scientific breakthroughs that go against the U.S.’s interests. A key concern for the chairman was China’s requirement that students return and serve the government for two years after leaving the program.
Letter sent to UTK system by WVLT News on Scribd
Moolenaar requested in the letter above the university answer several questions, ultimately outlining how the program benefits the U.S.
“Even more troubling is the fact that UTK actively subsidizes such a program,” the letter said. “It is imperative that UTK reassess whether this joint scholarship program serves U.S. interests.”
The program itself started in 2024 and was expected to last five years. It allowed Chinese students to spend two to four years researching and studying on campus, earning either their Master’s or PhD. Under the agreement, the university was responsible for paying out-of-state tuition for the students, along with providing a cost-of-living stipend and insurance for the selected candidates.
Memorandum Between the China Scholarship Council, China and University of Tennessee, US by WVLT News on Scribd
On July 10, UT formally terminated the agreement. In a letter to the program’s Chinese director, the university said the agreement was not legally binding.
It’s the latest in a series of immigration-related hurdles the university has faced at the hands of the federal government. Previously, at least nine students had their immigration statuses changed by the federal government, putting them at risk for deportation. They’ve since had their statuses restored.
Previous Coverage: Tennessee student visas restored after immigration status changes
The university representative said UT was “assessing the potential impact” on the three Chinese students.
CSC Termination Notice by WVLT News on Scribd
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