ICC President exposes Qatar’s secret funding of elite Universities in the US Sparks controversy
In a startling revelation, International Christian Concern (ICC) President Jeff King has shed light on what he calls a “secret war on America” by Qatar, alleging that the country has been funneling substantial amounts of money to prestigious American universities. This covert financial flow, according to King, has resulted in a reluctance by university administrators to act against pro-Hamas and anti-Israel sentiments on campuses.
Anti-Jewish & Anti-Christian
King, author of Islam Uncensored, stated, “Christians need to understand that these groups are just as anti-Christian as they are anti-Jewish.” He further emphasized the need for scrutiny, stating, “We should not be surprised when we see students at many colleges voicing support for extremist Islamist movements like Hamas. Follow the money.”
The Gatestone Institute‘s report titled “Dark Money Nightmare: How Qatar Bought the Ivy League” indicates that over $13 billion in undocumented contributions from foreign governments, many of them authoritarian, have been withheld by at least 100 American colleges and universities. This includes significant funding from Qatar, with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development serving as a conduit for these funds.
Following the money trail
An in-depth study conducted by Calcalistech.com in October 2023 revealed that between 2001 and 2023, Qatar donated $4.7 billion to American universities, making it the largest foreign donor during this period. The report highlighted major contributions to universities such as Cornell, Georgetown, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon, with Qatar’s financial influence leading to the establishment of branches and specialized schools in Doha, Qatar’s capital.
For instance, Cornell received $1.8 billion for a medical school, Georgetown obtained $750 million for a school of government, and Northwestern established a journalism school with $600 million in funding from Qatar. The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) further documented numerous grants from Qatar to Cornell University, totaling in the billions.
Compromising academic independence
Critics argue that this influx of Qatari funds has compromised academic independence and integrity, pointing to instances of anti-Israel sentiment and support for extremist movements on campuses. The implications of Qatar’s financial influence on American education have sparked a broader debate on transparency, foreign funding, and academic freedom. As concerns grow, calls for greater oversight and disclosure regarding these financial relationships are gaining traction within academic and policy circles.