Introduction to the Higher Education Compact

The White House recently invited nine universities to become "initial signatories" of a higher-education compact, which asks colleges to make commitments aligned with President Trump’s political priorities in exchange for favorable access to research funding. Despite the invitation, none of the universities have signed on to the document, with several already declining the offer.

No Takers So Far

The University of Virginia became the fifth university to decline to participate in Trump’s compact, citing concerns that providing federal money based on anything but merit would undermine the integrity of research and further erode public confidence in higher education. Other universities that have declined the offer include the University of Southern California, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Concerns Over Academic Freedom

The compact has stirred a wave of pushback from academia and beyond, with many expressing concerns that it would limit free speech and campus independence. The University of Southern California rejected the compact, saying it would undermine "values of free inquiry and academic excellence." Similarly, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology declined the deal, citing concerns that it would limit free speech and campus independence.

A Push to Change Academia

The compact has been protested by students, condemned by faculty, and drawn the ire of Democrats at all levels. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats in Virginia have threatened to cut state funding to any university that signs on. In a joint statement, more than 30 higher education organizations urged the administration to withdraw the compact, saying it would give the government unprecedented control over colleges’ academics and hinder free speech.

Terms of the Compact

The compact asks colleges to adopt 10 pages of commitments aligned with Trump’s views, including eliminating race and sex from admissions decisions, promoting conservative views on campus, and ensuring "institutional neutrality" on current events. The administration has said that institutions that sign on will have favorable access to federal funding, but it is unclear what universities have to gain by agreeing to the deal or what they stand to lose if they don’t.

The White House’s Goals

Trump has made it a priority to win obedience from powerful and prestigious universities that he describes as bastions of liberalism. His top prize has been Harvard, which has openly defied a set of wide-ranging demands from the government. The White House has slashed billions of dollars in research funding at Harvard, canceled its federal contracts, and attempted to block the Ivy League school from enrolling foreign students.

Reaction from Universities

Several universities have already declined the offer, citing concerns over academic freedom and the potential for government overreach. Dartmouth President Sian Beilock acknowledged the need for reforms but said she would "never compromise our academic freedom and our ability to govern ourselves." The University of Texas system previously said they were honored to be included, but other universities still weighing the deal have not indicated how they’re leaning.

Conclusion

The higher-education compact has been met with widespread criticism and resistance from universities and academic organizations. With none of the invited universities having signed on to the document, it remains to be seen whether the White House will be able to find any takers. The compact’s terms and the potential consequences for universities that decline the offer have raised concerns over academic freedom and the role of government in higher education.

FAQs

• What is the higher-education compact?
  The higher-education compact is a proposed agreement between the White House and universities that asks colleges to make commitments aligned with President Trump’s political priorities in exchange for favorable access to research funding.
• Which universities have declined the offer?
  The University of Virginia, University of Southern California, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, and the University of Pennsylvania have all declined the offer.
• What are the terms of the compact?
  The compact asks colleges to adopt 10 pages of commitments aligned with Trump’s views, including eliminating race and sex from admissions decisions, promoting conservative views on campus, and ensuring "institutional neutrality" on current events.
• What are the potential consequences for universities that decline the offer?
  It is unclear what universities have to gain by agreeing to the deal or what they stand to lose if they don’t, but the White House has suggested that institutions that sign on will have favorable access to federal funding.