Just as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) did last week, Brown University also decided to reject the plan proposed by the government to nine universities to receive federal support in exchange for accepting 10 points, among which the reduction of their foreign enrollment stands out.
On October 1, the White House issued letters to the University of Arizona, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas, Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia.
The goal was to ask them to commit to President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal funds or risk losing this type of support.
The Trump administration’s demands are outlined in a document titled “Pact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” which asks educational institutions to freeze their tuition rates for five years, prohibit the use of sex and gender as factors in their admissions process, and limit the number of international studentsamong other points.
Nevertheless, The first to reject the proposal was MIT, because he considered it a restriction on freedom of expression and its independence as an institution.
This position was replicated by Brown University through a letter signed by Christina H. Paxson, president of Brown University, which was sent to Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, and May Mailman and Vincent Haley, White House advisors.
This document emphasizes that the Rhode Island-based educational institution is “committed to contributing to national conversations about principles to improve American higher education,” but does not consider it pertinent to join the “Pact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.”
“I am concerned that the Compact, by its nature and various provisions, restricts academic freedom and undermines the autonomy of the Brown administration, seriously compromising our ability to fulfill our mission.
Furthermore, a fundamental aspect of academic excellence is awarding research funds based on the merits of the proposed research. The cover letter describing the Compact contemplates funding research with criteria other than the strength and potential impact of the research, which would ultimately harm the health and prosperity of Americans,” the text indicates.
Keep reading:
• MIT rejects plan proposed by Trump for universities to receive money in exchange for adjustments
• Trump asks 9 universities to commit to his agenda to obtain federal money
• Gavin Newsom threatens to cut funding to universities that agree with Donald Trump