Jerusalem, 7 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from releasing information identifying foreign donors and contracting partners of American colleges and universities under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act. The temporary restraining order, sought by the Association of American Universities, remains in effect through October 29 while the court considers the case.
The Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law is urging greater transparency, arguing that public scrutiny should include major funding from foreign governments, state-controlled entities and other institutions.
Chief Policy Officer Karen Paikin Barall said taxpayers should be able to determine whether foreign financial relationships affect academic independence, university policies, discrimination, or campus antisemitism.
The center has sought disclosure of foreign funding records and urged investigations into Northwestern University’s $737 million relationship with Qatar and Georgetown University’s Foreign Agents Registration Act compliance.