Brown University has struck a deal with the Trump administration, agreeing to pay $50 million to local workforce development groups in Rhode Island. This agreement will restore lost federal research funding and end investigations into allegations of discrimination.
As part of the deal, Brown has made several concessions that align with the administration’s political goals. This includes adopting the government’s definitions of “male” and “female,” and removing race from its admissions process. Brown’s president, Christina H. Paxson, emphasized that the agreement helps maintain the university’s academic freedom.
The deal demonstrates a growing trend among universities facing pressure from federal funding agencies. Recent statistics show that federal scrutiny of college policies around diversity and inclusion has increased significantly. In fact, a 2022 survey revealed that nearly 60% of colleges felt the government was intruding into their academic affairs.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the agreement ensures students are evaluated strictly on their merits. She claimed this move represents a shift away from what she termed the “woke” culture in higher education. This matches a broader reaction seen in conservative circles, where discussions about education policy often focus on equity and fairness in admissions.
Interestingly, Brown’s agreement resonates with a similar deal made recently by Columbia University, which also faced scrutiny from the federal government. Unlike Columbia, however, Brown’s settlement does not involve an outside monitor, raising questions about how effectively it will be implemented.
Paxson addressed concerns around the deal, stating that Brown remains committed to its values of inclusion and academic freedom. She noted that the agreement includes provisions to enhance support for Jewish students, such as renewing partnerships with Israeli academics and conducting a survey to assess the campus environment for Jewish students.
Experts like Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, pointed out that while these agreements might seem beneficial, they don’t guarantee a lasting change in higher education policy. He emphasized that such agreements often lack concrete policy discussions about the future of colleges and universities.
As part of the deal, Brown will also undergo a comprehensive audit of its admissions data. This will involve disclosing detailed statistics on applicants, including their race, grades, and standardized test scores. This heightened scrutiny reflects ongoing national debates about meritocracy versus equity in education.
The financial commitment of $50 million will be distributed over the next decade, a move that some see as a positive step compared to paying fines directly to the government, like what Columbia agreed to. While the landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these actions raise questions about the balance between governmental oversight and institutional autonomy.
