WASHINGTON (RTWNews) — The White House is reaching out to nine major universities, proposing a formal 'Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education' that aligns with President Trump's political priorities, potentially paving the way for universities to gain more favorable access to federal funds.
These universities are being asked to commit to the administration's vision for higher education, including specific directives on admissions practices, women's sports policies, free speech initiatives, student disciplinary measures, and affordability of college education.
By signing this agreement, institutions could enjoy priority access to select federal grants; however, funds will remain accessible to other qualifying colleges as well, according to an unnamed White House official's comments.
The compact requires universities to adhere to the government’s definitions, which include applying a specific gender identity standard in campus facilities and mandates an SAT or ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions, while discouraging consideration of race or gender in the selection process.
Among the prestigious institutions contacted are Vanderbilt, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, and others. Questions remain regarding the selection criteria for these universities and the potential for similar offers to be extended to additional colleges in the future.
Leaders from Texas A&M University expressed excitement about their involvement, recognizing the potential benefits associated with the compact. However, responses from other institutions have yet to come.
This initiative is seen as a continuation of the administration's overarching influence over higher education funding, with past actions including penalties against universities like Harvard and Columbia for noncompliance with federal expectations.
The compact further stipulates a cap on international student enrollment and restrictions on tuition increases, with require regulations enforced by the Justice Department, threatening substantial penalties for schools that fail to comply.
As the compact invites institutions to forsake independent models for federal benefits, debates about the implications for academic freedom continue to unfold.
