California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly opposed President Donald Trump’s proposed plan that pressures universities to alter admissions policies in exchange for federal funding, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom.
President Donald Trump’s proposed “compact for academic excellence” has ignited controversy as it seeks to pressure U.S. universities to abandon diversity factors in their admissions processes in exchange for federal funding. This initiative has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is staunchly defending academic freedom.
In the wake of a recent ruling from Harvard, the Trump administration appears to be employing what some critics describe as a form of bribery to influence higher education institutions. The White House has reached out to nine prominent colleges and universities, urging them to adhere to a set of demands to gain expanded access to federal funding.
A document obtained by CNN outlines the terms of this compact, which calls for universities to eliminate considerations of sex and ethnicity in their admissions processes. The Trump administration argues that this would foster “a vibrant marketplace of ideas on campus” and ensure that no single ideology dominates, whether politically or in other relevant areas. Additionally, the compact includes provisions for assessing faculty and staff viewpoints, maintaining “grade integrity,” and implementing a five-year freeze on tuition costs.
According to a White House official, universities that sign the compact would gain a “competitive advantage.” These institutions would be prioritized for federal grants and would receive invitations to White House events and discussions with government officials.
The list of universities targeted by this initiative includes a mix of public and private institutions, such as Vanderbilt University, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, the University of Southern California, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Arizona, Brown University, and the University of Virginia.
However, not all leaders are in favor of this approach. Governor Newsom issued a stern warning to California universities on Thursday, stating that any institution that complies with Trump’s demands would be considered a sell-out. He emphasized the potential consequences of signing the agreement, declaring, “IF ANY CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY SIGNS THIS RADICAL AGREEMENT, THEY’LL LOSE BILLIONS IN STATE FUNDING — INCLUDING CAL GRANTS — INSTANTLY.”
Newsom’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to protecting academic freedom and resisting what he views as federal overreach. He stated, “CALIFORNIA WILL NOT BANKROLL SCHOOLS THAT SELL OUT THEIR STUDENTS, PROFESSORS, RESEARCHERS, AND SURRENDER ACADEMIC FREEDOM.”
Trump’s push for universities to adopt the “compact for academic excellence” is seen as part of a larger effort to influence higher education by promoting ideological diversity and controlling admissions criteria. This initiative has sparked significant backlash, particularly from progressive leaders like Newsom, who are determined to uphold the principles of academic independence.
As the debate continues, the implications of this compact could have far-reaching effects on the landscape of higher education in the United States, particularly for those institutions that choose to comply with the administration’s demands.
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