Multiple Leading U.S. Universities Reject Trump Administration Higher Education Compact Citing Academic Freedom Concerns

The Trump administration in 2025 proposed a "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education" to nine leading U.S. universities, offering preferential federal funding in exchange for increased federal oversight on admissions, tuition, faculty, and speech codes. However, six of these universities, including Brown, M.I.T., University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of Virginia, and Dartmouth, have rejected the compact, citing concerns about academic freedom, government micromanagement, and the infringement on institutional autonomy. Universities like Brown and Columbia found the White House demands escalating beyond initial agreements, leading to a breakdown in trust. Vanderbilt University saw strong opposition from graduate students, faculty, and student government, with petitions and resolutions opposing the compact due to fears of overregulation. The University of Virginia emphasized the importance of merit-based research funding and expressed willingness to collaborate on alternative approaches without signing the compact. Education Secretary Linda McMahon indicated ongoing discussions despite the widespread rejections, suggesting that the administration seeks a shared vision but has yet to secure university buy-in.