FOIA REQUEST: Records Regarding Section 117 and the Department of Education’s Removal of the Real-time Data Portal from the Reporting Site

AgencyDepartment of Education
TypeFOIA Request
IssueForeign Gifts
Tracking100-8-24
DateJul 29, 2024

On June 26, 2024, the Department announced the decommissioning of the Section 117 interactive data table, effective June 28. The interactive data table was a crucial tool for transparency and public oversight, key objectives of Section 117 of the HEA and facilitated easy access and real-time analysis of data on foreign gifts and contracts, allowing stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and the public, the ability to monitor foreign influence in U.S. higher education institutions effectively. The interactive nature of the data table allowed users to filter and search for specific information, providing a more nuanced understanding of foreign funding patterns and their potential implications. This capability is essential for ensuring compliance and for conducting detailed analyses that support the broader goals of transparency and accountability in higher education funding.

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