Protecting America’s Classrooms from Foreign Influence
American schools are the foundation of our nation’s future. They are where young minds learn not only math and reading but also the values that shape character, citizenship, and loyalty to country. In recent years, however, a quiet but growing threat has entered these classrooms—technology and software supplied by companies with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This is not a matter of abstract policy debate. It is a direct challenge to the sovereignty of our educational system and the safety of our children.
Across the country, school districts have adopted devices and digital platforms made by Chinese firms. These tools are often marketed as affordable, efficient, and modern. But behind the sleek interface lies a deeper concern: data security, surveillance risks, and the potential for ideological influence. When a Chinese company provides the software that powers a student’s learning experience, it gains access to sensitive information—grades, attendance records, even behavioral patterns. More troubling, the same systems could be leveraged to spread narratives that conflict with American ideals of freedom, self-reliance, and moral responsibility.
Georgia’s recent legislation banning contracts with foreign adversary companies reflects a necessary step toward safeguarding public institutions. The law does not target all Chinese companies outright, but it does draw a clear line: no firm tied to a nation that poses a strategic threat to the United States should be allowed to supply technology to public schools. This is not about nationalism or xenophobia. It is about protecting the integrity of American education and ensuring that our children are not exposed to foreign agendas under the guise of innovation.
The response from Lenovo, a company with known links to Beijing, underscores the stakes. By suing the state, Lenovo is not defending fair business practices—it is challenging a state’s right to protect its citizens. This legal move is a reminder that Beijing does not operate under the same principles of transparency or accountability that govern American institutions. When a foreign entity sues a U.S. state over a law meant to ensure security, it reveals a fundamental imbalance: one side seeks to influence, while the other seeks to defend.
The military has taken similar steps. The Navy has stopped selling Lenovo products to service members, recognizing that even consumer electronics can pose risks when tied to adversarial nations. This bipartisan recognition of the threat is not a political stunt. It is a practical assessment of national security. If we cannot trust the devices used by our armed forces, how can we trust them in our classrooms?
This issue transcends party lines. It is about common sense, responsibility, and stewardship. No parent wants their child’s personal data harvested by a foreign power. No educator wants their classroom to become a tool for ideological indoctrination. And no American should accept the erosion of national sovereignty under the cover of technological progress.
States across the country must follow Georgia’s example. They must pass laws that require due diligence before adopting foreign technology in public schools. They must prioritize American-made solutions—products built with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the values that have made our nation strong. These are not luxury choices. They are essential safeguards.
Our children are not just students. They are the next generation of leaders, workers, and citizens. Their education must be rooted in truth, freedom, and national pride. We owe it to them to keep our schools free from foreign influence. The time to act is now—not out of fear, but out of love for America and the future we want to pass on.
Published: 11/19/2025
