The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has openly rejected the Trump administration’s recent proposal linking federal funding to strict campus policies.
In a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, MIT President Sally Kornbluth argued that the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” would limit free speech and conflict with the university’s core values.
The proposal required universities to limit international undergraduate admissions to 15%, restrict political speech by university leaders, enforce a binary gender policy, and rely heavily on standardised testing. It also demanded universities commit to using “lawful force” to manage campus protests and ensure an environment supportive of conservative viewpoints.
Kornbluth stressed that MIT already employs standardised tests and maintains a strong culture of free expression.
“We freely choose these values because they’re right, and we live by them because they support our mission,” she stated.
She further criticised the compact for undermining scientific funding based solely on merit, noting that America’s scientific leadership depends on independent thought and open competition.
The Trump administration’s move is part of an effort to reshape higher education by tying aid to politically driven priorities, a tactic opposed by many universities concerned about academic freedom and autonomy. MIT has previously faced federal funding cuts and joined legal challenges opposing the administration’s education policies.
In response to the compact, California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that any state university signing the agreement would lose billions in state funding, describing the deal as a surrender of academic freedom.
MIT’s refusal to sign sets a precedent amid growing resistance from the academic community, showing the debate over federal influence and institutional independence in American higher education.