The Trump administration's proposed "education compact" aimed to offer preferential funding to universities that align with its conservative agenda, sparking significant backlash from academic institutions.
Major universities like MIT and Brown University were invited to join the compact but chose to reject it, citing concerns over academic freedom and integrity.
The compact was viewed by many critics as an "extortion agreement," threatening to compromise the independence of educational institutions in exchange for funding advantages.
Brown University, despite previously signing a resolution with the federal government, publicly turned down the compact, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining academic autonomy.
Active student and faculty resistance emerged across various campuses, reinforcing the call for universities to prioritize educational integrity over political influence.
This rejection signifies a broader movement against governmental control in academia, highlighting the tensions between educational institutions and the political landscape.
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