Trump's New Compact Pressures Universities to Adopt Conservative Policies

The Trump administration has introduced new regulations for universities seeking federal funding, encapsulated in a memo titled 'A Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.' This initiative targets nine prominent institutions, mandating them to limit foreign student enrollment and adopt conservative-friendly policies.

Failure to comply could result in loss of federal benefits, while adherence promises financial rewards. Some universities, including the University of Texas, are exploring this compact, while others express concern over its implications for academic freedom.

Critics argue that these measures represent an overreach of executive power, aiming to reshape the political landscape of higher education. The compact's demands include tuition freezes, governance changes, and specific hiring practices, raising alarms about potential favoritism and the erosion of institutional independence.