Brown University Rejects Trump Administration’s Education Proposal

Brown University has formally rejected a proposal from the Trump administration aimed at modifying its education policies in exchange for enhanced access to federal education funds. In a letter dated October 25, 2023, the university’s President, Christina H. Paxson, expressed concerns that joining the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education would impose unacceptable constraints on the institution’s academic freedom and governance.

In her letter, Paxson stated, “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, critically compromising our ability to fulfill our mission.” This rejection positions Brown among a growing list of institutions wary of potential limitations on academic independence tied to federal funding.

The compact, proposed by the White House, requests nine universities, including Brown, to adhere to educational priorities outlined by President Donald Trump. This initiative is part of an ongoing investigation into what the administration describes as civil rights violations occurring on college campuses across the United States. In return for compliance, the participating institutions would have access to federal education funding under less stringent conditions.

Among the specific requirements outlined in the proposal is a mandate for colleges to adhere to government-defined gender classifications, which would affect policies regarding campus bathrooms and women’s sports. Additionally, institutions would be expected to refrain from considering race, gender, and other demographic factors in their admissions processes.

Brown’s decision follows that of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which became the first university to reject the proposal earlier in October. This early pushback indicates a significant resistance among academic institutions to align with federal directives perceived to threaten their operational autonomy.

As discussions continue regarding the implications of federal funding and educational policies, Brown University stands firm in its commitment to maintaining its principles of academic freedom and governance. The ongoing developments in this area will likely shape the landscape of higher education in the United States for years to come.