AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron has announced plans to close its Confucius Institute next year.
The institute, operated in partnership with a university in China, is aimed at expanding the knowledge of Chinese culture and language.
In a statement sent out to the UA community Monday, university officials said they need to close the institute to comply with the National Defense Authorization Act, which places restrictions on access to Department of Defense research funding at universities that host a Confucius Institute.
“The University of Akron has developed a broad research partnership with the Department of Defense and with other funding agencies and organizations at different levels of the federal and state government,” the statement read. “In order to meet the requirements of the NDAA, the University of Akron has decided to close its Confucius Institute, effective June 30, 2022, and has begun a transitional process to phase out its operations.”
Confucius institutes, which are located across the U.S., sends teachers, textbooks and educational programming for college students and K-12 schools to each country to learn about the different cultures. For UA, the institute has given students study abroad opportunities as well.
“The CI at UA has made valuable contributions to the University and the community, and helped to foster the institution’s important relationship with our partner in China, Henan University. We appreciate all who have supported and contributed to its successful operation,” the statement read.
The Confucius Institute at UA has been up and running for 12 years.
