The Trump administration has cut billions in federal grants for universities like Harvard and Columbia for not complying with its rules|Columbia University|Facebook
The White House is asking nine top universities to back President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for federal funding.
Colleges contacted include MIT, Brown University, Dartmouth College, and more.
The proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” encourages colleges to adopt government positions on gender definition, admissions, women’s sports, free speech, student discipline, and more.
The deal asks schools to follow the government’s definition of gender in bathrooms and sports, limit international enrollment, require SAT/ACT scores, and ensure campuses reflect a mix of political views.
Tuition freezes for US students and free tuition for “hard science” majors at wealthy schools are also included.
Universities that sign could receive “substantial and meaningful federal grants” and increased overhead payments, the White House said.
Critics warn that the move threatens campus independence and free speech. It comes as the Trump administration cut billions in federal grants for universities like Harvard and Columbia.
The Justice Department would enforce compliance, while institutions rejecting it would forfeit federal benefits. Universities have until November 21 to respond.