Brown University Rejects Trump's Funding Proposal Over Academic Freedom Concerns

Thu Oct 16 2025 13:43:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Brown University has rejected a proposal from the Trump administration that links federal funding to various commitments, citing concerns about academic freedom. The university joins MIT and others in opposing the plan, stressing the importance of maintaining educational independence.

Brown University has declined a funding proposal from the Trump administration, which it argues would undermine academic freedom and autonomy. While aligned with some provisions, the university's president, Christina Paxson, emphasized the lack of guarantees for curriculum control. The rejection aligns with sentiments from other institutions like MIT, which exited the discussion due to free speech concerns. The administration had hoped to strengthen ties with educational institutions through the compact, inviting feedback by October 20.

Brown University is rejecting a Trump administration proposal that would provide favorable access to funding in exchange for a range of commitments, citing concerns over academic freedom and independence.

Joining the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in this stance, Brown's leadership expressed that while they might agree with some aspects of the proposal — such as admissions equality and affordability — aspects of the deal threaten the university's autonomy.

President Christina Paxson articulated her concerns in a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, stating: The Compact would restrict academic freedom and undermine the governance of Brown, critically compromising our mission.

Brown and MIT were among nine universities approached to sign onto the proposal, designed to offer substantial federal grants but which has met resistance from several higher education institutions apprehensive about restrictions on free speech and governance.

Paxson emphasized the need for educational freedom, aligning with the sentiments of many Brown stakeholders. The proposal encourages campuses to commit to various conservative viewpoints, effectively reshaping the educational landscape under federal influence.

In earlier agreements with the Trump administration, Brown had reached a compromise to restore funding and address federal inquiries into discrimination, reflecting a complex relationship between higher education and governmental power dynamics.

The administration hopes to foster a renewed connection with universities through the compact, while universities weigh the implications of such agreements on their academic integrity.