President Donald J. Trump continues his attacks on colleges and universities that support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. File photo
The compact, which promises preferential federal funding to signatory institutions, would require sweeping policy changes including the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, caps on international student enrollment, and other measures that critics say could undermine access for underrepresented students.
Initially sent October 1 to nine selective institutions—including MIT, Brown, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, and Vanderbilt—the compact is now available to all higher education institutions, according to sources within the administration. The expansion suggests the administration is casting a wider net in its effort to reshape higher education policy.
The compact's loosely defined terms center on several key mandates that would fundamentally alter campus policies:
Ending DEI initiatives: Signatories must disregard students' "immutable characteristics," particularly race, when determining access to campus resources, scholarships, and programming. The compact also requires institutions to transform or abolish units deemed to "punish, belittle and even spark violence against conservative ideas."
International student caps: The agreement limits international students to 15% of undergraduate enrollment, with no more than 5% from any single country. This provision could significantly impact campus diversity and global engagement, particularly at institutions with higher international enrollment.
Institutional neutrality: Universities must maintain political neutrality across all administrative levels, a requirement that raises questions about academic freedom and institutional expression on social issues.
