Minnesota University Stands Against Trump's Education Deal
A Bold Move Against Conservative Policies
The University of Minnesota has made a bold decision. They recently rejected a deal offered by the Trump administration. This deal was called the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education." It promised extra federal funding to universities. However, there was a significant catch. Schools had to agree to certain conservative policies.
The Vote
The University Senate voted overwhelmingly to reject this compact. They believed it went against the school’s mission and would limit academic freedom and independence. The vote was 123 to 18. Many people watched the meeting online.
Faculty Concerns
Professor Michael Gallope spoke passionately about the issue. He said academic freedom and free speech were at risk. Professor Kathy Quick warned that signing the compact could set a dangerous precedent. Future administrations might use it to suppress different viewpoints.
Support for the Resolution
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 Compact's Controversial Points
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:
- Defined gender based on biological processes.
- Required universities to freeze tuition for five years.
- Limited international student enrollment.
- Restricted political activities by university employees.
Mixed Reactions
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 thought the university should negotiate with the federal government instead of rejecting the compact outright.
- Student Senate chair Dominic Scavullo opposed the resolution. He thought some parts of the compact were acceptable, such as free tuition for students majoring in hard sciences.
Support for the Resolution
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.
Previous Steps to Protect Academic Freedom
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.
