WASHINGTON (AP) — Brown University has rejected a proposal by the Trump administration which sought to provide favorable access to federal funding in exchange for several commitments that the university believes would undermine its independence and academic freedom.
Brown's decision follows a similar withdrawal by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which expressed concerns about the restrictive nature of the deal. University President Christina Paxson communicated the rejection of the proposal in a letter addressed to Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
Paxson acknowledged that while some provisions of the proposal aligned with Brown's values, including commitments to affordability and equitable admissions practices, the overall framework did not support the university's mission. I am concerned that the Compact by its nature and by various provisions would restrict academic freedom and undermine the autonomy of Brown’s governance, she stated.
The Trump administration's proposal, which included various commitments related to admissions processes and the promotion of conservative viewpoints on campuses, aims to strengthen the relationship between universities and the federal government. It called upon educational institutions to rethink their policies and programs fostering diversity and liberal ideologies.
As part of the invitation sent to several universities, feedback was requested by October 20, with decisions due by November 21. However, Brown and MIT's rejections suggest substantial unease among top academic institutions regarding the administration's intentions and the implications for academic governance.
Brown previously accepted a deal with the Trump administration earlier this year to restore research funding, but Paxson stressed that this new proposal lacks vital protections for academic autonomy.
In another twist, President Trump suggested that universities wishing to engage in what he termed the “pursuit of Truth and Achievement” might still join the compact, highlighting ongoing tensions between the administration and academic communities.
