The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently turned down a proposal from the Trump administration. This proposal suggested that universities follow certain guidelines in exchange for special access to federal funds.
In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, MIT’s president, Sally Kornbluth, expressed concern that the proposal would limit freedom of expression on campus and clash with the university’s core values. Other universities, like Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania, were also asked to consider this deal.
The proposal aimed to set caps on foreign student admissions and restrict comments from university leaders about political issues. It even sought a narrow definition of gender. Many of these points echoed longstanding conservative grievances that the administration has previously clashed over with various universities.
One of the more controversial aspects of the proposal was that universities would have to use standardized tests for most admissions and agree to use “lawful force” if necessary to manage campus protests. The agenda also included commitments to ensure that conservative perspectives could be freely shared.
Additionally, schools would have to limit international undergraduate students to 15%, ensuring that no more than 5% come from any single country. They would also need to screen foreign students for any perceived hostility towards the U.S. and report disciplinary records to federal authorities.
Kornbluth reaffirmed that MIT already uses standardized tests and strives to foster a culture of free expression. She pointed out that the university currently has about 10% international students. “We choose these values because they are right, and they support our mission,” she stated, underscoring MIT’s stance against the proposed requirements.
Kornbluth added that the compact included principles that fundamentally conflicted with MIT’s belief in scientific merit alone for funding. She emphasized that America’s position in science hinges on independent thought and open competition.
MIT has faced challenges even before this latest development. Under the Trump administration, it experienced federal funding cuts and joined a lawsuit against the administration concerning health research funding. The university has also shown support for its neighbor, Harvard University, which is similarly suing over funding issues.
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom recently warned that any state university accepting the proposed deal would face severe funding cuts. He stated that California would not support institutions that compromise academic freedom for financial gain.
In a time when the relationship between higher education and government funding is under scrutiny, universities like MIT are setting a precedent. They are prioritizing academic independence over monetary incentives, reflecting ongoing debates about free speech and diverse viewpoints in educational settings.
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