Universities Face Pressure as Trump Administration Proposes New “Compact“
A wave of debate is sweeping across university campuses nationwide as the Trump administration proposes a new “compact” outlining conditions for federal funding. The proposals, delivered to institutions like USC, MIT, the University of Virginia, and the University of Arizona, are sparking concerns over academic freedom, inclusivity, and the potential for shifting federal oversight of higher education.
USC is currently evaluating the compact amidst a period of financial strain, facing a $200 million budget deficit and ongoing layoffs. University President Carol Folt indicated she would seek input from the board of trustees and stakeholders before responding. The timing of the proposal also impacts UCLA, which is currently negotiating a separate $1.2-billion settlement with the Trump administration related to allegations of mishandling antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests in Spring 2024. UC President James B. Milliken noted a recent “shift” in the administration’s approach, moving from targeted investigations to a broader focus on reshaping higher education as a whole.
The proposed compact shares similarities with the settlement offered to UCLA, notably including stipulations regarding binary definitions of gender that would exclude transgender individuals. However, it diverges by proposing limits on foreign student enrollment and a tuition freeze for U.S. citizens. UC officials are now studying the USC compact to inform their own negotiation strategy.
Rejection of the compact has been swift and decisive at several universities.The University of Virginia senate voted down the proposal, with faculty expressing fears about academic freedom and a “chilling” effect on free speech. The University of Arizona faculty senate followed suit, with 81% rejecting the government’s terms. Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock has also signaled hesitation,reaffirming her commitment to the institution’s independence and academic mission.
A common thread running through the opposition is skepticism about the administration’s commitment to upholding the terms of any agreement.”If you look at the deals that have been struck… there is certainly a sense that deals are not written in stone,” noted one observer,highlighting a legitimate concern among faculty regarding the enforceability of the compact’s provisions.
The unfolding situation underscores a growing tension between the Trump administration and institutions of higher learning, raising essential questions about the future of university autonomy and the role of federal influence in shaping academic life.
