Trump-Era Memo Targets Elite Universities for Funding Reforms
A memo, dubbed the 'Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education', has been circulating, aiming to reshape higher education by targeting institutions' funding. The document, sent by the Trump administration, outlines 10 principles that colleges must align with to gain preferential treatment. So far, only the University of Texas has responded, expressing enthusiasm to engage with officials and review the compact.
The memo targets prestigious institutions, including the University of Arizona, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of Texas, Vanderbilt University, and University of Virginia. Those who align with the principles, such as a return to standardized testing and limits to international students, will be offered preferential access to federal grants and invites to White House-sponsored events.
Betsy DeVos, who served as Secretary of Education under President Donald Trump, is advocating for universities to align with the Department of Education's priorities. However, two prominent higher education nonprofits have urged universities to reject the compact, describing it as 'entirely corrupt'.
The University of Texas is the first to respond to the memo, expressing enthusiasm to engage with officials and review the compact. The document outlines 10 principles that colleges must align with to gain preferential treatment, including a return to standardized testing and a five-year tuition freeze. While the Trump administration offers incentives for compliance, two prominent nonprofits urge universities to reject the compact, citing corruption.
