The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has officially rejected the Trump administration’s proposal, known as the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” This decision marks MIT as the first institution to decline the funding offer aimed at aligning universities with the president’s educational policies.
MIT’s Rejection of the Funding Proposal
In a letter addressed to officials from the Trump administration, MIT President Sally Kornbluth emphasized that the university cannot support the proposed measures. Kornbluth stated that MIT consistently meets or exceeds the standards set forth in the compact. She expressed concerns that the compact would undermine the institution’s independence and freedom of expression.
Details of the Trump Administration’s Compact
The compact was offered to MIT and eight other universities. Acceptance would grant funding advantages in exchange for significant changes in key operational areas, including:
- Tuition freezes for five years
- Limits on international student enrollment
- Adherence to a specific definition of gender for sports participation and restroom access
- The reinstatement of SAT requirements for applicants
- Measures against grade inflation
- Prohibitions on using race and sex in hiring and admissions
- Alterations to departments that challenge conservative viewpoints
Other Universities’ Responses
While MIT has declined the offer, the University of Texas has acknowledged the compact but has not yet committed to its stipulations. The other schools offered the proposal include:
- The University of Arizona
- Brown University
- Dartmouth College
- The University of Pennsylvania
- The University of Southern California
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Virginia
Dartmouth and the University of Pennsylvania have voiced reservations about the proposal but have not outright rejected it.
Context Behind the Proposal
The compact has faced criticism from various quarters. California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, described it as a “hostile takeover” of higher education institutions. The Trump administration has previously frozen federal funding for many universities amid investigations related to alleged antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests.
Moreover, universities like Harvard are involved in discussions regarding settlements with the Trump administration over funding issues. Ultimately, the future of the compact remains uncertain as universities weigh the implications of aligning with the administration’s educational agenda.
