Yale University is facing serious allegations regarding its failure to disclose nearly $16 million in foreign funding from Qatari sources, which may constitute a violation of U.S. federal law. The accusations, outlined in a new report by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), have raised concerns about transparency in higher education institutions across the United States.
The latest allegations suggest that between 2012 and 2023, Yale University reported only $284,668 in funding from Qatari sources. However, ISGAP estimates that the actual amount is at least $15.9 million—far exceeding the $250,000 reporting threshold required by U.S. law. The undisclosed funds were reportedly used for a range of academic activities, including research projects, seminars, and fellowships.
“This is not a minor oversight—it represents a systemic failure to comply with federal law,” said Dr. Charles Asher Small, Executive Director of ISGAP. “Universities must be held accountable when they fail to report large sums of foreign funding.”
The alleged failure to disclose foreign gifts and contracts violates Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which mandates U.S. universities to publicly report foreign donations exceeding $250,000. ISGAP identified over $9 million in grants from Qatar’s National Priorities Research Program awarded to Yale between 2013 and 2020, none of which appeared in Yale’s official filings with the Department of Education.
ISGAP warned that such discrepancies could affect not just compliance, but also national security. “When foreign funds are hidden, there’s always the risk of influence—subtle or overt—on academic freedom and national interest,” said Dr. Small.
This is not the first time Yale has faced scrutiny over foreign funding. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education initiated an investigation into Yale and Harvard University for underreporting hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign donations. At that time, Yale was accused of failing to report at least $375 million in foreign gifts.
ISGAP has strongly criticized Yale’s actions, calling the underreporting a violation of trust. Dr. Small stated, “Universities are pillars of democratic society, and they cannot maintain public confidence while concealing foreign financial ties.”
Yale has previously acknowledged shortcomings in its foreign funding disclosures and claimed to have revised its reporting practices. However, the university has not issued a statement in response to the latest report by ISGAP. The U.S. Department of Education has also not commented on whether it will reopen its previous investigation into Yale’s financial disclosures.
The controversy surrounding Yale’s financial ties to Qatar is part of a broader, ongoing debate about foreign influence in American higher education. Since 1990, U.S. universities have reported receiving over $6.6 billion in donations from foreign sources, with Qatar among the top contributors.
Experts warn that undisclosed donations can pose threats to academic neutrality. “Funding transparency isn’t just about numbers—it’s about preserving the integrity and independence of academic institutions,” said Dr. Small.
In light of these revelations, ISGAP has urged the U.S. government to enforce stricter oversight and penalties for non-compliance. The organization also called for greater public access to university funding disclosures and standardized reporting mechanisms.
“Transparency must be enforced—not encouraged. The public deserves to know who is financing our educational institutions,” Dr. Small concluded.
Sana Rauf
The writer is a freelance columnist.
