White House Requests Call with Colleges on Trump’s Agreement
The White House has reached out to five universities as part of its efforts regarding President Trump’s higher education compact. A conference call is scheduled to discuss the proposed agreement amid rising tensions with various institutions. The universities involved are Dartmouth College, the University of Arizona, the University of Texas, the University of Virginia, and Vanderbilt University. None of these institutions has committed to signing the compact as the deadline approaches on October 20.
Context of the White House Compact
The compact aims to reshape higher education by enticing colleges with federal funding in exchange for adopting several contentious policies. Administrators from the University of Texas system expressed honor at being included in discussions. In comparison, other universities have remained silent regarding their stance on the deal.
Provisions of the Agreement
- Colleges must eliminate race and sex considerations in admissions.
- Adoption of a government-defined binary classification of gender.
- Promotion of conservative viewpoints on campus.
- Ensuring institutional neutrality concerning current events.
The compact also warns that institutions can forgo these conditions but will lose federal benefits if they choose to do so. Dartmouth President Sian Beilock recently stressed the importance of academic freedom over compliance with the compact’s requirements.
Reactions from the Academic Community
Opposition to the compact has been vocal, with significant pushback from various academic sectors. MIT was the first to reject the agreement, citing limitations on free speech. Other institutions like Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania have followed suit, emphasizing concerns over academic independence and governance.
Political and Institutional Backlash
- Governor Gavin Newsom of California warned that state funding could be cut for institutions signing the agreement.
- Over 30 higher education organizations have publicly condemned the compact.
- The compact has faced widespread protests from students and faculty alike.
Trump’s administration has reportedly aimed to exert more control over elite universities, denouncing them as hubs of liberal ideology. Harvard, a primary target, recently faced significant funding cuts for noncompliance with the administration’s demands.
Conclusion
The White House’s call with these universities highlights the ongoing debate around higher education policies in the United States. With the deadline looming and resistance mounting, the future of this compact remains uncertain as institutions weigh their options concerning federal benefits and academic autonomy.
