MIT rejects Trump administration’s federal funding deal

MIT has become the first university to reject the Trump administration’s proposed deal offering priority access to federal funding in exchange for campus reforms.

The 10-point plan, sent to nine universities, includes caps on international students, bans on using race and gender in admissions and hiring, and tuition freezes.

In a letter to the Education Department, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said the deal could threaten institutional independence.

While MIT supports principles like merit and free speech, Kornbluth argued funding should be based solely on scientific merit. The other schools are still reviewing the proposal.