The letter, dated April 24, 2018, is addressed to FBI Director Christopher Wray from Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education (ACE), on behalf of ACE and a coalition of major higher education associations. The correspondence expresses concern over the recent disbandment of the National Security Higher Education Advisory Board (NSHEAB), which had served since 2005 as a critical platform for dialogue among higher education leaders and federal agencies on national security issues affecting academia. The signatories highlight NSHEAB’s value as a conduit for discussing sensitive security concerns, academic freedom, scholarly exchange, and global partnerships, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration in safeguarding national research and defending against foreign threats.
In light of growing national security concerns—particularly regarding international students and foreign interference in U.S. research—the letter acknowledges recent Congressional hearings and the FBI’s concerns but argues that regular, constructive engagement between universities and security agencies remains essential. The higher education community reiterates its longstanding commitment to supporting national security and protecting research integrity while also valuing the contributions of international scholars. Consequently, the letter formally requests the establishment of a new forum comparable to the NSHEAB, enabling ongoing communication and cooperation between academic institutions and federal agencies to address shared security challenges responsibly.
