The situation of Feng Tao, a chemistry professor at the University of Kansas, has drawn attention after he was initially arrested under a program aimed at combating Chinese economic espionage. Five years after the F.B.I. agents led him away from his home, a federal appeals court overturned his conviction this past July, allowing him to hope for a return to his academic position and a more normal family life.
However, the university has not reinstated Dr. Tao, who is now suing for wrongful termination. He alleges that the university unlawfully surveilled him at the request of federal investigators and failed to adhere to its own disciplinary protocols by terminating him prior to the completion of his criminal proceedings. Dr. Tao's legal complaint characterized the university's actions as contributing to a racially motivated "witch hunt."
Dr. Tao's case highlights the lingering effects of the China Initiative, a program that was officially ended over three years ago but continues to affect professors and researchers of Chinese descent. Under this initiative, the F.B.I. pursued numerous prosecutions at academic institutions, primarily targeting scholars of Chinese ethnicity without substantiated allegations of economic espionage or theft.
There are concerns that a similar program might be revived. Current congressional discussions include an appropriations bill that would fund a Justice Department initiative focused on foreign espionage, while recent legislation has been introduced that emphasizes combating Chinese espionage in academia.
Acknowledgement exists regarding Chinese attempts to acquire American technology, with partnerships between U.S. researchers and Chinese institutions facilitating advancements in critical areas. Some American universities have started to limit collaborations with Chinese counterparts, citing security concerns.
The rhetoric surrounding Chinese students studying in the U.S. has also sparked controversy, with some lawmakers suggesting that these students, particularly in STEM fields, represent potential security risks. Critics argue that such approaches may misallocate resources and inadvertently drive valuable talent away from the U.S.
Research collaborations between the U.S. and China have declined since 2017. Many scholars of Chinese descent report feeling compelled to avoid federal grants due to fears of racial profiling. Dr. Tao's case serves as an example of how issues of academic integrity can be misconstrued as accusations of espionage.
Dr. Tao's legal battles, which began after a false accusation from a former colleague, have resulted in significant legal expenses. Although he was initially convicted, a federal judge eventually dismissed the charges, citing insufficient evidence of wrongdoing related to espionage.
In his lawsuit, Dr. Tao claims discrimination based on his race, asserting that other faculty members with similar undisclosed activities were not terminated. He seeks reinstatement, compensation for lost wages, legal fees, and damages for emotional distress, emphasizing the impact of his experiences on his family's life.