Trump Administration Proposes Compact Linking Federal Funding to University Policy Changes

The Trump administration has introduced a 'Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,' proposing that nine universities adopt specific policy changes in exchange for enhanced access to federal funding. The compact outlines commitments on admissions processes, gender definitions, free speech policies, and tuition rates.

The nine institutions—Vanderbilt University, Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas, the University of Arizona, Brown University, and the University of Virginia—received the 10-page document on Wednesday. The proposal requests feedback by November 21.

Key provisions of the compact include:

• Admissions: Universities are asked to eliminate considerations of race, gender, and other demographics in admissions decisions and to require standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.

• Gender Definitions: Institutions are urged to adopt the government's definition of gender, affecting policies related to campus facilities and women's sports teams.

• Free Speech: The compact calls for campuses to ensure a diverse mix of viewpoints among students and faculty and to prevent disruptions to classes and campus facilities.

• Tuition and Enrollment: Universities would need to freeze tuition for U.S. students for five years and cap international undergraduate enrollment at 15%, with no more than 5% from a single country.

Signing the compact would provide universities with benefits such as substantial federal grants and increased overhead payments. However, non-compliance could result in penalties, including loss of access to these benefits for at least a year.

Reactions to the proposal have been mixed. The University of Virginia stated there was no clear reason why it was selected and is reviewing the letter. The University of Texas system expressed openness to the opportunity, with Board of Regents Chair Kevin Eltife stating, "Today we welcome the new opportunity presented to us and we look forward to working with the Trump Administration on it."

Opposition has also emerged. California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that any state universities signing the compact would lose access to state funding, including the $2.8 billion Cal Grants program. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, urged universities to reject the deal, stating, "It's not worth the compromises that they would have to make. This is a Faustian bargain."

The compact represents a shift in the administration's strategy, offering incentives rather than solely punitive measures to align university policies with federal priorities. This approach follows previous actions where the administration reduced funding to institutions accused of liberal bias, some of which were overturned by federal courts.

The nine universities are currently reviewing the compact and its implications for their policies and funding structures.