The Bloomington Faculty Council (BFC) has taken a firm stance against President Donald Trump’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” passing a resolution on Tuesday urging Indiana University’s administration to reject any potential agreement related to the compact. The resolution garnered substantial support, passing with at least 40 votes in favor and only 11 abstentions, followed by applause from attendees.
Originally presented to nine prestigious universities, including Brown, Dartmouth, and MIT, the compact requires institutions to adhere to a variety of contentious conditions. Among these provisions are proposals to freeze tuition rates, limit foreign student enrollment to a maximum of 15%, and impose restrictions on political expression among university employees. Furthermore, it calls for political neutrality from educational institutions.
The compact acknowledges the significance of federal relationships for colleges and universities, particularly regarding access to loans, grants, research funding, and the issuance of student visas. However, it does not explicitly mention any preferential treatment for those who comply with its terms. Notably, the deal also threatens financial repercussions for institutions that violate the agreement once signed, while indicating that those who reject the compact may be forfeiting federal benefits.
Concerns about the compact extend beyond its administrative implications. It suggests an end to the consideration of gender and race in admissions processes and proposes the dismantling of institutional structures deemed to suppress conservative viewpoints. These proposals have already prompted pushback, with seven out of the original nine universities opting to reject the offer, while Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas are still weighing their options.
The BFC’s resolution framed the compact as an example of coercive strategies employed by the Trump administration that aim to dictate the prevailing ideologies and operations of higher education across the country. History professor Maria Bucur, who introduced the resolution, emphasized the importance of resisting pressures to compromise academic integrity and standards.
Adding to the chorus of dissent, the American Association of University Professors sent a detailed 13-page letter urging several universities to reject the compact as it allegedly infringes upon First Amendment rights and violates federal grant regulations.
As the BFC has been relegated to an advisory role due to recent legislative changes, the ultimate decision regarding the compact now rests with the Indiana University Board of Trustees and the university administration. This developments highlights the ongoing debate about the influence of federal policies on the autonomy of educational institutions and the integrity of higher education in general. The strong response from the BFC and other academic organizations underscores a collective commitment to uphold principles of academic freedom and integrity in the face of external pressures.