Houston Daily

Rep. Troy E. Nehls has addressed a letter to Christina H. Paxson, President of Brown University, seeking clarification on the institution's use of its endowment to lower tuition and enhance students' university experience. This inquiry was triggered by recent reports involving a student, Alex Shieh, who is under scrutiny for emailing university staff to obtain insights into administrative costs related to tuition fees.

In his letter, Congressman Nehls expressed concern about the university's approach toward Shieh. Nehls mentioned, "Penalizing a student for what appears to be an attempt to understand the university’s administrative structure and priorities raises serious concerns about the institution’s commitment to open inquiry and embracing dissenting viewpoints.” He further noted, “A university environment should encourage students to seek information and engage in civil discourse, even when it involves questioning its own administrative practices.”

Congressman Nehls has urged President Paxson to explain how the university utilizes its $7.2 billion endowment to either improve the student experience or reduce tuition costs.

Read the full letter HERE.

Read the Fox Exclusive HERE.