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Big Ten Universities Unite to Protect Academic Freedom from Federal Pressure

Five faculty senates have adopted a mutual defense compact to counter Trump administration actions targeting diversity programs and institutional autonomy.

People rally and march in support of universities and education on April 17, 2025, in New York City.
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Overview

  • Rutgers University initiated the Mutual Academic Defense Compact on April 6, aiming to safeguard academic freedom against legal and financial pressures from the Trump administration.
  • Michigan State, Indiana University, Nebraska–Lincoln, and UMass Amherst faculty senates have joined the compact, with the University of Michigan set to vote by April 20.
  • The compact proposes shared legal resources, expert support, and a strategic fund to defend universities facing federal threats to funding and policies.
  • Some institutions, particularly in conservative states, remain hesitant to join due to fears of retaliation from the Trump administration.
  • A broader Big Ten meeting is scheduled for May, led by Rutgers, to address concerns and encourage further participation in the collective strategy.