Trump asks 9 colleges to commit to his political agenda and get favorable access to federal money
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is asking nine major universities to commit to President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal money.

Universities were asked to sign a “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” committing them to adopt the White House’s vision for America’s campuses. It asks the schools to accept the government’s priorities on admissions, women’s sports, free speech, student discipline and college affordability, among other topics.

Signing on would give universities priority access to some federal grants, but government money would not be limited solely to those schools, according to a White House official who was not authorized to publicly discuss the plan and spoke on condition of anonymity. Colleges that agree would also have priority access to White House events and discussions with officials.

The compact, obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, asks universities to accept the government’s definition of gender and apply it to campus bathrooms, locker rooms and women’s sports teams. It asks colleges to stop considering race, gender and a wide range of other student demographics in the admissions process and to require undergraduate applicants to take the SAT or ACT.

The 10-page proposed agreement was sent Wednesday to some of the most selective public and private universities: Vanderbilt, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, the University of Southern California, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas, the University of Arizona, Brown University and the University of Virginia. It was not clear how these schools were selected or why, and whether similar offers might go out to other colleges.

Leaders of the Texas system were “honored” that the Austin campus was chosen to be a part of the compact and its “potential funding advantages,” according to a statement from Kevin Eltife, chair of the Board of Regents. “Today we welcome the new opportunity presented to us and we look forward to working with the Trump Administration on it,” Eltife said.

Representatives from the other colleges did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The administration has used its control of federal funding as leverage at several other colleges, cutting off research money at schools including Harvard and Columbia as it has sought changes to the schools’ governance and policies.

Under the compact, international enrollment would have to be capped at 15% of a college’s undergraduate student body — many elite schools are now above that — and no more than 5% could come from a single country.

Schools that sign on would have to cap tuition for U.S. students for five years and the wealthiest campuses would not charge tuition at all for students pursuing “hard science programs.”

On free speech, schools would have to commit to promoting a wide range of views on campus. That includes “transforming or abolishing institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas,” according to the compact.

Each school would have to commission an annual poll of students and faculty to evaluate the campuses’ adherence to the pact. The terms would be enforced by the Justice Department, with violators losing access to the compact’s benefits for no less than a year. Following violations bump the penalty to two years.

“Institutions of higher education are free to develop models and values other than those below,” the compact said, “if the institution elects to forego federal benefits.”

___

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
‘Missiles detonating mere feet away’: Air Force F-16 commander earns rare Silver Star for Middle East mission

Air Force F-16 Commander Awarded Rare Silver Star for Courageous Mission Amid Close Proximity Missile Detonations in the Middle East

In a daring display of courage and skill, Lt. Col. William “Skate”…
Meghan's 'insipid' Netflix Christmas special is panned

Meghan Markle’s Netflix Christmas Special Faces Backlash: Viewers Call It ‘Insipid

Critics have harshly panned Meghan Markle’s Netflix Christmas special, with some reviewers…
BMW axing a 30-year-old legend after producing a Final Edition model

Farewell to an Icon: BMW Bids Adieu to a 30-Year Legacy with Exclusive Final Edition Model

BMW has decided to conclude one of its most cherished projects. The…
National Guard shooting suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar,' was struck by return fire and subdued by witness: feds

National Guard Shooting Suspect Subdued After Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and Being Hit by Return Fire, Authorities Report

An Afghan national, accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington,…
Former California deputy Marvin Morales suspected of killing his 11-year-old son is fatally shot during police pursuit

Tragic Pursuit Ends: Ex-California Deputy and Suspected Child Killer Shot Dead by Police

A former sheriff’s deputy from California, accused of the tragic stabbing of…
Lisette Monroe lost her beloved sister to murder. She hopes an execution will bring some peace

Seeking Closure: Lisette Monroe Hopes Execution Brings Peace After Sister’s Tragic Murder

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In 1988, Lisette Monroe was a young mother…
WestJet airline under fire after agent tears up passenger’s boarding passes for filming bumped flight dispute

WestJet Faces Backlash After Agent Destroys Passenger’s Boarding Passes During Filming of Flight Dispute

A major Canadian budget airline is facing criticism after a staff member…
Cowboys-Chiefs Thanksgiving game draws record-shattering 57 million viewers

Thanksgiving Showdown: Cowboys vs Chiefs Game Smashes Viewership Records with 57 Million Fans Tuning In

The Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys delivered a Thanksgiving showdown that…