A Military College's Bid for Federal Funds Amid Turmoil
Valley Forge Military College finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with financial difficulties and significant changes. The institution is considering joining President Donald Trump's Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, a plan that offers federal funding to colleges committed to conservative values.
The Compact's Controversial Stance
The compact requires participating schools to:
- Teach "American and Western values"
- Discontinue diversity programs
- Adopt strict definitions of gender
Critics argue that these stipulations could compromise free speech and equitable treatment for all students.
Valley Forge's Application
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, Valley Forge expressed interest in becoming the first military school to join the compact. The college emphasized its alignment with the compact's goals of excellence and future readiness, though it avoided direct references to politics or conservative values. Instead, the school highlighted its academic rigor and leadership focus.
A School in Decline
Valley Forge Military College is the last remnant of a once-prestigious academy. The institution has been plagued by financial woes, declining enrollment, and legal battles. Recently, it temporarily switched to online classes due to staffing shortages. To generate revenue, the college has explored licensing its name to a school in Qatar and selling parts of its campus.
Alumni Reactions
Some alumni, like Robert Bohrer (Class of 1960s), lament the school's shift in direction. He recalls Valley Forge as a place of discipline and excellence, devoid of political agendas. With the school's future hanging in the balance, its decision to join Trump's compact is just one of many challenges it faces.
