Syracuse University cites autonomy, declines Trump’s higher education compact
Syracuse University will not sign the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” proposed by US President Donald Trump in its current form, according to a report by Syracuse.com. The compact offers universities preferential treatment in funding, student visa approvals, and tax breaks if they agree to certain conditions. Chancellor Kent Syverud indicated that while some elements, such as support for veterans and military-connected students, may be reasonable, any formal agreement would require consultation with the Board of Trustees and the university community before moving forward, Syracuse.com reports.
Provisions of the compact
The compact, initially sent to nine universities on October 1, includes several conditions for institutions that wish to participate. Syracuse.com notes that the requirements include excluding race, gender, and financial status from admissions decisions. Institutions must avoid belittling conservative ideologies and ensure that faculty and the university remain publicly neutral on political events. These conditions have drawn criticism from universities and education groups who view them as potential constraints on academic freedom.
Responses from other universities
None of the nine original universities signed the compact, according to Syracuse.com. On October 14, the compact was opened to all higher education institutions across the United States. Several schools, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have publicly stated they will not sign the compact. Other universities are providing feedback to the federal government regarding the proposal. The rollout of the compact and mixed responses from universities highlight ongoing tensions over federal influence in higher education policy.
Relation to AACU statement
Earlier in 2025, the American Association of Colleges and Universities issued a statement called “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” which emphasised that colleges and universities should have autonomy in admissions and in determining curriculum and teaching approaches. Syracuse University has not joined the more than 600 institutions that signed the letter, Syracuse.com reports. A spokesperson noted that Syracuse is not part of the AACU and was not consulted in drafting the letter.
Leadership transition
Chancellor Syverud is scheduled to retire at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. Syracuse University has begun the search for his successor, according to Syracuse.com. The decision not to sign the compact is part of ongoing discussions about the university’s approach to federal initiatives, institutional independence, and academic governance.
The takeaway
The compact has raised questions about the role of federal incentives in shaping university policies and the extent to which political ideologies may influence institutional decisions. Syracuse.com reports that the university’s decision reflects its position on maintaining autonomy while evaluating any federal initiatives that could affect admissions, teaching, or institutional policies. The response of other universities suggests that debate over the compact will continue in higher education circles, particularly as institutions balance compliance incentives with academic independence.
