Minnesota University Stands Against Trump's Education Deal

The University of Minnesota made a bold move recently. They said no to a deal from the Trump administration. This deal was called the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. ” It promised extra federal funding to universities. But there was a catch. Schools had to agree to certain conservative policies. The University Senate voted overwhelmingly to reject this compact. They said it went against the school’s mission. They also believed it would limit academic freedom and independence. The vote was 123 to 18. Many people watched the meeting online. Professor Michael Gallope spoke passionately about the issue. He said academic freedom and free speech were at risk. Another professor, Kathy Quick, warned that signing the compact could set a dangerous precedent. Future administrations might use it to suppress different viewpoints. The resolution was supported by over 60 faculty members. They urged the university president and the Board of Regents to reject the compact. They also asked them to say no to any similar proposals in the future. The Trump administration had initially offered the compact to a few universities. But after some schools rejected it, the offer was extended to all colleges. The compact included some controversial points. For example, it defined gender based on biological processes. It also required universities to freeze tuition for five years. Additionally, it limited international student enrollment and restricted political activities by university employees. Some senators had mixed feelings about the resolution. Toni Abts supported it but wondered if it was necessary to act so quickly. Economics professor Christopher Phelan had concerns. He thought the university should negotiate with the federal government instead of rejecting the compact outright. Student Senate chair Dominic Scavullo also opposed the resolution. He thought some parts of the compact were acceptable. For instance, he liked the idea of free tuition for students majoring in hard sciences. On the other hand, Colin Lang from the Law School supported the resolution. He saw it as a chance to stand against the administration’s attacks on transgender people. In April, the University Senate had already taken a step to protect academic freedom. They approved a “mutual academic defense compact. ” This allowed Big Ten schools to share legal and financial resources. It was a way to support any school facing political or legal challenges.