Trump Administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education
The University of Texas at Austin is one of nine schools the Trump administration has selected to receive preferential access to federal funds if they agree to take steps to align with federal priorities.
In letters sent to the schools, a memo lays out the terms colleges would sign on to, including freezing tuition for five years and capping international student enrollment to 15% of the undergraduate student body. Universities would also have to ban the consideration of race or sex in hiring or admissions, and commit to recognizing two genders.
Response from University Officials
UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife said in a statement that the regents “enthusiastically look forward to engaging with university officials and reviewing the compact immediately.”
The compact asks universities to “commit themselves to fostering a vibrant marketplace of ideas on campus.” Schools would be directed to transform or abolish “institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas.”
Regulating Demonstrations and Academic Freedom
It also would mandate universities regulate demonstrations and ensure they do not delay or disrupt class instruction, libraries or other traditional study locations. Schools would commit to “using lawful force if necessary to prevent these violations and to swift, serious and consistent sanctions for those who commit them.”
In exchange, schools would receive priorities for grants, as well as invitations for White House events and discussions with officials, according to the White House. Federal funding would not be limited solely to schools that sign the compact.
Other Universities Involved
Along with the University of Texas, the memo was sent to Vanderbilt University, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, the University of Southern California, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Arizona, Brown University and the University of Virginia, according to the White House.
“To advance the national interest arising out of this unique relationship, this Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education represents the priorities of the U.S. government in its engagements with universities that benefit from the relationship,” the memo reads.
Reactions from Faculty and Students
Pauline Strong, president of the UT Austin chapter of the American Association of University Professors, called on Eltife and UT President Jim Davis to reject the White House’s offer.
“It trades autonomy for subservience, academic freedom for censorship, gender science and history for ideology, and the best interests of UT students and faculty for the favor of an administration intent on destroying our university,” Strong said in a statement. “The requirements laid out in this letter will be the beginning rather than the end of the Trump administration’s demands of our institution.”
Implementing State Laws and Regulations
The compact comes as multiple Texas universities are reviewing gender identity content in courses and implementing state laws that aim to address perceived liberal bias on campuses.
Related
After a viral video of a Texas A&M professor discussing gender identity led to firings and the president’s resignation, the UT System and the Texas A&M System recently announced course audits to evaluate how gender is taught. The Texas Tech System chancellor recently directed the system’s schools to prohibit teaching that there are more than two genders.
Related
In recent sessions, Texas lawmakers passed laws that regulate protests and demonstrations on campus and ban colleges from offering diversity, equity and inclusion offices and initiatives.
Lawmakers also discussed proposals related to limiting foreign-born students’ enrollment and scholarships at Texas’ public universities earlier this year. About 5% of UT Austin’s fall 2024 undergraduate student body was international students, according to UT System data.
Tuition at Texas’ public universities is already frozen through the 2026 and 2027 academic years, after Abbott called on schools to ease the financial burden on families in 2024.
Related
Staff writer Joseph Morton contributed reporting.
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Conclusion
The Trump administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education has sparked controversy and debate among university officials, faculty, and students. While some see it as an opportunity to promote conservative ideas and values, others view it as a threat to academic freedom and diversity. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how universities will respond to the compact and what implications it will have for higher education in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education?
A: The compact is a proposal by the Trump administration that outlines terms for universities to receive preferential access to federal funds, including freezing tuition for five years and capping international student enrollment.
Q: Which universities have been selected to receive the compact?
A: The University of Texas at Austin, Vanderbilt University, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, the University of Southern California, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Arizona, Brown University, and the University of Virginia have been selected to receive the compact.
Q: What are the implications of the compact for academic freedom and diversity?
