WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant stand for academic independence, Brown University has rejected a Trump administration proposal that offered access to federal funding in exchange for various commitments. The university's leaders have voiced concerns over potential restrictions it would impose on their academic freedom and governance.
Joining the ranks of other prestigious institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Brown's refusal comes amidst broader discussions about the implications of government influence in higher education. MIT had previously stepped back from similar proposals, citing worries about free speech and campus autonomy.
Brown University President Christina Paxson expressed her distress regarding the agreement in a letter addressed to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, stating, The Compact would critically compromise our ability to fulfill our mission.” While the university supports some aspects of the proposal aimed at promoting affordability and fair admissions, it cannot accept the proposed terms, which she argues could diminish the institution's governance.
As part of the invitation extended to nine universities, the administration encouraged feedback from selected institutions with a deadline set for late October. Despite its past agreement with the Trump administration to restore lost funding with specific conditions, Brown stands firm in preserving academic integrity against new encroachments.
Previously, the university had reached a $50 million agreement that included various controversial stipulations, all designed to regain federal funding and end investigations into discrimination. The new proposal lacks an assurance of maintaining academic control, further complicating the debate over government relationships with universities.
With Trump recently calling for universities willing to re-engage in a modified partnership focusing on conservative values, the rejections from Brown and others signify a pushback from academia against perceived government overreach in educational freedoms. The proposal itself included commitments centered on gender equity in sports, admissions integrity, and the promotion of conservative viewpoints, reflecting a move towards redefining academic governance.
