Congressman Dave Joyce on Combating Chinese Government Influence in US Schools

Concerns Over Confucius Classrooms

• 🇺🇸 Representative Dave Joyce is supporting HR 1005, the Combating the Lies of Authoritarians in School Systems Act, to protect children and national security.
• 🇨🇳 For years, China has attempted to exert soft power by forging ties with American schools and universities to influence future generations.
• 🏫 The People's Republic of China has established Confucius Classrooms in K-12 public schools, presented as language and cultural programs.

Funding and Control by China

• 💰 These Confucius Classrooms and their teachers are funded and vetted by the Chinese government, with this information often not disclosed to parents.
• 📊 A report indicated over 140 K-12 schools across the US had contracts with a Chinese government entity, offering incentives like funded teacher exchanges and study opportunities in China.
• ⚠️ These funding agreements come with strings attached, allowing teachers to be terminated if the CCP deems they violate Chinese laws or national interests.

Legislative Action and National Security

• 🚫 The Combating the Lies of Authoritarians in School Systems Act aims to prevent public schools from accepting these funds and ensures the Department of Education is notified of such contracts.
• 🌍 As China seeks greater global influence in education, this legislation takes common-sense steps to protect American children and maintain the integrity of the US school system.
• 🎯 Confucius Classrooms are seen as another example of the CCP's influence attempts outside its borders, and targeting children is a significant cause for concern.
• ✅ Joyce urges colleagues to support the legislation, demonstrating Congress's commitment to protecting children and national security.