Universities Resist Trump's Higher Ed Compact Amid Deadline Looming
With the deadline of October 20 fast approaching, four out of nine elite universities have rejected the Trump administration's offer to remake higher education in exchange for federal benefits. The University of Pennsylvania, Brown, University of Southern California, and MIT announced their refusal to sign the compact, which has sparked controversy among educators and experts.
The compact, proposed by the Trump administration earlier this month, requires participating universities to adopt a range of policies aimed at promoting conservative viewpoints and limiting student protests. These include shutting down institutional units that promote diversity and inclusion, giving up control of admissions and hiring decisions, and agreeing to biological definitions of sex and gender. In return, the universities would receive substantial federal grants and maintain access to research funding, student loans, federal contracts, and immigration visas.
"We cannot compromise our values and mission by signing onto a compact that seeks to silence marginalized voices and restrict academic freedom," said Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania. "Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is unwavering, and we will not be swayed by threats or coercion."
The American Council on Education (ACE), which represents more than 1,300 colleges and universities, has also expressed concerns about the compact's implications for academic freedom and student well-being.
"The Trump administration's proposal is a thinly veiled attempt to impose its ideological agenda on higher education," said Ted Mitchell, President of ACE. "We urge the administration to reconsider its approach and engage in a more collaborative and inclusive dialogue with educators and experts."
The rejection of the compact by four prominent universities has sparked debate about the role of government in shaping higher education policy. Critics argue that the proposal would undermine academic freedom and create a culture of fear among students and faculty.
"The Trump administration's proposal is a clear attempt to politicize higher education and silence dissenting voices," said Dr. Marcia McNutt, President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). "We must protect the integrity of our institutions and ensure that academic freedom remains unencumbered by political agendas."
As the deadline approaches, it remains unclear whether the remaining five universities will sign the compact or follow in the footsteps of their peers. The Trump administration has yet to comment on the rejections, but experts predict a continued backlash against the proposal.
Background:
The Trump administration's proposal is part of a broader effort to reshape higher education policy and promote conservative viewpoints. Critics argue that the compact would undermine academic freedom, create a culture of fear among students and faculty, and perpetuate systemic inequalities.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Anthony P. Carnevale, Director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, expressed concerns about the compact's implications for student access and affordability.
Dr. Dianne L. Augelli, President of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), emphasized the importance of preserving academic freedom and promoting inclusive excellence in higher education.
Current Status:
With four universities already rejecting the compact, it remains to be seen whether the remaining five will sign on or follow suit. The Trump administration has yet to comment on the rejections, but experts predict a continued backlash against the proposal. As the deadline approaches, educators and experts will continue to weigh in on the implications of this contentious policy initiative.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
