Brown University has officially rejected the Trump administration’s Higher Education Compact, citing concerns over academic freedom and governance. The decision comes as part of a broader movement among elite universities to maintain their autonomy while navigating federal education policies.
Brown University’s Position on the Compact
In a letter addressed to senior White House officials and U.S. Education Secretary Linda E. McMahon, Brown University President Christina Paxson stated that although the university signed a voluntary agreement with the federal government in July, it could not align itself with several provisions of the compact. These provisions, according to Paxson, would be detrimental to Brown’s mission and undermine essential principles of academic freedom.
Concerns Over Federal Control
Paxson emphasized that while the university values its relationship with the federal government, it must prioritize its core values and academic independence. The compact’s criteria would constrain research funding and governance, which Brown cannot accept. “We are respectfully declining to join the Compact,” Paxson stated in her letter.
Student Opposition Across Universities
On the same day, student leaders from Brown University, MIT, and Dartmouth, among others, issued a joint statement urging their administrations to reject the compact. They argued that the compact presents a false choice between commitment to education and access to federal resources.
- Student groups from the University of Southern California and the University of Texas did not join in opposition.
- Student representatives emphasized the need for academic freedom as a non-negotiable principle.
- A coalition of university leaders is being called upon to oppose federal overreach in higher education.
The Content of the Compact
This compact, designed partly by Marc Rowan, co-founder of Apollo Global Management Inc., includes controversial requirements such as:
- Capping the enrollment of international students.
- Freezing tuition rates for U.S. students for five years.
- Restricting university employee speech related to social and political issues.
- Adopting specific definitions of gender as outlined by the Trump administration.
The compact has already faced criticism, with MIT President Sally Kornbluth calling it “inconsistent” with the university’s belief in merit-based funding for scientific research. Faculty members at various institutions, including Dartmouth, have also rallied against the compact, citing it as an unprecedented attack on higher education.
Upcoming Decisions and Discussions
As universities weigh their options, they have a deadline to submit comments by October 20 and decide by November 21. Concerns about the compact’s implications on the academic landscape continue to grow among students and faculty alike.
As the situation develops, it remains crucial for institutions like Brown University to protect their unique academic missions while facing pressures from federal policies and funding opportunities.
