MIT rejected a Trump administration “Compact for Academic Excellence,” saying it would restrict free expression and undermine institutional independence. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, President Sally Kornbluth said the plan — tied to preferential federal funding — would cap foreign admissions, require standardized tests, adopt a binary gender definition, limit leaders’ political comments, and use lawful force to respond to campus protests; violations would trigger returning funds. MIT noted it already uses tests and has 10% international enrollment. Several universities were approached, and California’s governor warned of state funding cuts for any school that signs.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.