A Chinese-born chemistry professor, Feng "Franklin" Tao, is suing the University of Kansas (KU) for allegedly mishandling his case, leading to his wrongful arrest and conviction. Tao claims KU acted improperly by reporting him to the FBI based on unsubstantiated allegations from a student.
The lawsuit, filed Friday, asserts that KU disregarded academic rigor and engaged in "fear-mongering and racist witch hunting" in the process. Tao's ordeal began in 2019 when he was arrested and jailed after returning from a trip abroad. He was ultimately acquitted in 2024.
Crucially, the complaint alleges that KU actively assisted the government's investigation, sharing internal documents and allegedly encouraging the pursuit of further charges, even after initial findings revealed no evidence of wrongdoing. A text message from KU's deputy general counsel to FBI agents, praising their work, is cited as evidence.
This incident aligns with the Trump administration's controversial "China Initiative," which aimed to combat alleged economic espionage. However, the initiative faced criticism and was ultimately discontinued by the Biden administration. Tao was one of the first individuals targeted under this program.
Despite being cleared of all charges, KU has reportedly refused to reinstate Tao. The professor is now seeking reinstatement, lost wages, and compensation for reputational damage, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. The university has yet to respond formally to these claims.
The case highlights the potential for flawed processes and accusations, particularly when dealing with individuals from different backgrounds. This situation underscores the importance of fair and thorough investigations in academic and legal settings, especially in cases involving accusations of espionage.
