Overview
- New College announced it would be the first institution to adopt President Trump’s higher education compact, saying it already follows many of the proposal’s provisions.
- The compact promises preferential consideration for federal research and other funding in exchange for policy commitments on hiring, admissions and campus culture, with reported planks such as a five-year tuition freeze, standardized tests, institutional neutrality on political and social issues, and the option to dissolve units deemed anti-conservative.
- Most of the nine elite universities first approached declined to participate, and at least 11 institutions overall have rejected the plan, citing threats to academic independence.
- The administration is expected to circulate a revised draft next month and has not explained how colleges can formally join, leaving next steps for New College uncertain.
- New College has undergone a conservative overhaul under Gov. Ron DeSantis, eliminating DEI efforts and its gender studies program, changes its leaders say align with the compact’s ideals.