Cambridge, MA — May 30, 2025
Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, is facing intense scrutiny following allegations that it hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group implicated in the repression of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region. The U.S. government has accused Harvard of facilitating activities that may have supported human rights abuses, raising serious national security and ethical concerns.
Allegations of Training Sanctioned Chinese Paramilitary
At the center of the controversy is the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a Chinese paramilitary organization sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2020 for its role in human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims. Despite these sanctions, Harvard reportedly continued to engage with XPCC officials through its T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offering training programs as recently as 2024 .
According to a letter from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Harvard hosted XPCC members for training sessions focused on health policy and insurance governance. The letter asserts that such engagements provided services to a sanctioned entity, potentially violating U.S. laws prohibiting transactions with designated parties .
Broader Concerns Over Foreign Collaborations
The allegations extend beyond the XPCC. Lawmakers have raised concerns about Harvard’s research partnerships with Chinese universities linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including Tsinghua, Zhejiang, and Huazhong Universities. These collaborations reportedly involved Department of Defense-funded projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, and quantum science .
Furthermore, Harvard researchers are accused of working on at least four projects since 2020 with scientists funded by the Iranian National Science Foundation, an entity associated with Iran’s government. These collaborations may have contravened U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran .
Government Response and Institutional Repercussions
In response to these allegations, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively barring the university from enrolling new international students. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Harvard’s actions “facilitated, and engaged in coordinated activity with the CCP, including hosting and training members of a CCP paramilitary group complicit in the Uyghur genocide” .
The revocation of SEVP certification has significant implications for Harvard, which relies heavily on international students for both cultural diversity and financial contributions. The university has filed a lawsuit challenging the DHS decision, arguing that the revocation is a violation of its First Amendment rights and an overreach of federal authority .
Reactions from Human Rights Advocates and the Academic Community
Human rights organizations have condemned Harvard’s alleged involvement with the XPCC. Sabrina Sohail, director of advocacy at Campaign for Uyghurs, stated that by training XPCC officials, Harvard “risks legitimizing a system complicit in genocide” .
Within the academic community, the revelations have sparked a debate over the ethics of international collaborations. Critics argue that partnerships with entities linked to human rights abuses undermine the moral integrity of academic institutions and compromise national security.
Former Harvard President Larry Summers expressed concern over the federal government’s actions, suggesting that revoking the university’s ability to enroll foreign students could damage the United States’ role as a global leader in higher education .
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Lawmakers are demanding greater transparency from Harvard regarding its foreign partnerships. Representatives John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg, and Elise Stefanik have requested internal documents detailing the university’s collaborations with foreign entities, emphasizing the need to assess potential violations of U.S. laws and ethical standards .
The controversy has also prompted discussions about the broader implications of academic institutions engaging with foreign governments and organizations. As universities navigate the complexities of global research and collaboration, the Harvard case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines.
The allegations against Harvard University highlight the challenges faced by academic institutions in balancing international collaboration with national security and human rights considerations. As investigations continue, the case underscores the necessity for transparency, accountability, and ethical vigilance in higher education’s global engagements.
