These four universities reject Trump’s funding deal: Here’s why schools are pushing back
Four prominent universities have formally declined an offer from the Trump administration promising expanded federal funding in exchange for compliance with a set of conditions outlined in the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” The compact was sent to nine institutions earlier this month, but only four—Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Brown University, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), and University of Southern California (USC)—have publicly rejected the proposal so far.The offer, framed as a chance to prioritise funding and participation in White House discussions, requires universities to enact a series of policy changes. These include removing race and sex as factors in admissions and hiring, capping international student enrolment, and adopting ideological reforms aimed at reshaping campus culture. However, concerns about academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and research merit have prompted these universities to push back.
The compact asks participating schools to implement wide-ranging reforms. Key provisions include a ban on considering race, sex, or other demographic factors in admissions, financial aid, and hiring decisions. It also requires schools to freeze tuition rates for five years, limit international undergraduate students to no more than 15 percent of the population, and impose strict definitions of gender based on “reproductive function and biological processes,” reports CNN.The agreement further demands the dismantling or reform of campus units that the administration claims “punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas.” Faculty, students, and staff must also participate in annual anonymous surveys to monitor compliance with the compact’s principles. The letter promises that signatories will receive priority for federal grants and invitations to White House events.
Each university cited specific reasons for declining the compact, mainly focusing on concerns over academic freedom, governance, and research funding criteria.MIT President Sally Kornbluth stated in a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon that the compact “includes principles with which we disagree, including those that would restrict freedom of expression and our independence as an institution.” She added, “the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone,” as reported by The Hill.Brown University’s President Christina H. Paxson wrote that the compact “by its nature and by various provisions would restrict academic freedom and undermine the autonomy of Brown’s governance, critically compromising our ability to fulfill our mission.” She also expressed concern that the compact “contemplates funding research on criteria other than the soundness and likely impact of research, which would ultimately damage the health and prosperity of Americans,” according to The Hill.University of Pennsylvania President J. Larry Jameson said the university declined the offer after consulting with students, staff, and faculty. He emphasised Penn’s commitment to “merit-based achievement and accountability” and highlighted the longstanding partnership between American higher education and the federal government, as quoted by CNN.USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim acknowledged the administration’s efforts to address challenges in higher education but expressed worries about the compact’s impact. “Tying research benefits to it would, over time, undermine the same values of free inquiry and academic excellence that the Compact seeks to promote,” Kim said in a letter to the Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, according to CNN. He also warned that “other countries whose governments lack America’s commitment to freedom and democracy have shown how academic excellence can suffer when shifting external priorities tilt the research playing field away from free, meritocratic competition.”
The Trump administration initially sent the compact to nine universities, including Dartmouth College, Vanderbilt University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Arizona, and University of Virginia. These institutions have not yet publicly rejected or accepted the proposal. Some, such as Vanderbilt and Arizona, are reportedly reviewing the compact. The University of Texas at Austin expressed openness to the opportunity but did not confirm whether it will sign the agreement.The compact aims to reshape higher education policy through a combination of ideological reforms and financial incentives. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions over academic freedom, institutional governance, and the role of federal influence in universities across the US.
