China activist Chen Guangcheng revives concern on US academic freedom

Charges by a top activist that New York University dismissed him due to Chinese influence have added fuel to concerns over Beijing’s educational clout which critics say hurts US academic freedom.

Chen Guangcheng, one of China’s most prominent human rights campaigners who dramatically escaped house arrest last year, has accused the private university of surrendering to “unrelenting pressure” from Beijing.

New York University has adamantly denied the charges and said that it has been generous to Chen – providing him free education, English lessons, accommodation and family support – but only planned a one-year fellowship.

But critics note that the university later this year starts operation of a Shanghai campus. Chinese students paying full tuition are highly prized, and New York University is the third largest US recipient of foreign students.

Representative Chris Smith, who heads the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on human rights, said that New York University controlled Chen’s movements and tried to monitor the congressman’s conversations with the activist.

“That is not the way you treat a world-class human rights defender who has suffered torture and every other depravation to combat abuse in China. It really is a black mark against NYU,” Smith said.