Universities Resist Trump's Higher Ed Overhaul: 4 Elite Institutions Refuse to Sign On

Universities Resist Trump's Higher Ed Compact: Four Institutions Refuse to Sign In a move that has sent shockwaves through the academic community, four of nine elite universities have rejected the Trump administration's "compact" aimed at remaking higher education. The University of Pennsylvania, Brown, University of Southern California, and MIT announced their decision not to sign the agreement, which was set to expire on October 20. The compact, unveiled earlier this month, required participating institutions to adopt a range of policies, including limiting student protests, agreeing to biological definitions of sex and gender, and relinquishing control over admissions and hiring decisions. In exchange, universities would have received substantial federal grants and avoided potential cuts to research funding, student loans, and other benefits. "We cannot compromise our values and principles by signing onto this compact," said University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann in a statement. "Our commitment to academic freedom and diversity is unwavering." Brown University's President Christina Paxson echoed similar sentiments, stating that the university would not sacrifice its autonomy or integrity for federal funding. "We will continue to prioritize our students' well-being and academic excellence over any potential benefits from this compact," she said. The Trump administration's proposal has sparked intense debate among academics and policymakers. Critics argue that the compact represents an attempt by the government to exert undue influence over higher education, while proponents see it as a necessary step to ensure accountability and transparency in institutions receiving federal funding. The American Council on Education (ACE), which represents more than 1,300 colleges and universities, has also expressed concerns about the compact. "We are troubled by the administration's attempt to dictate policies that undermine the core values of higher education," said ACE President Ted Mitchell. As the deadline for signing the compact approaches, it remains unclear whether the remaining five institutions will follow suit or sign on to the agreement. The Trump administration has not commented publicly on the universities' decision to reject the compact. The implications of this development are significant, as they highlight the ongoing tensions between government and academia over issues such as free speech, diversity, and academic freedom. As one expert noted, "This is a critical moment for higher education, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks." Background: The Trump administration's compact was announced earlier this month, sparking widespread debate among academics and policymakers. The proposal aimed to address concerns about the politicization of higher education, but critics argue that it represents an overreach by the government. Additional Perspectives: "This is a classic case of 'carrots and sticks,' where the administration is trying to use federal funding as leverage to influence university policies," said Dr. John Searle, a philosopher at the University of California, Berkeley. "The compact represents an attempt to impose a narrow ideological agenda on higher education, which is antithetical to the values of academic freedom and diversity," argued Dr. Judith Butler, a prominent scholar at the University of California, Berkeley. Current Status: With four universities already rejecting the compact, it remains unclear whether the remaining five institutions will follow suit or sign on to the agreement. The Trump administration has not commented publicly on the universities' decision to reject the compact, but experts expect further developments in the coming weeks. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*