Right now, nine major universities are being asked to sign a political deal with the Trump administration. If they agree, they could receive more federal money.

But the cost is high: they would have to give up core values like diversity, academic freedom, and the right to protest.

This proposal, called the “Compact for Academic Excellence,” would force schools to follow a long list of government demands. It would ban race and gender from admissions decisions, cap international enrollment, and require schools to use the government’s definition of gender in bathrooms, dorms, and sports. It would also pressure colleges to support more conservative viewpoints and silence others.

No matter what political party is in power, universities should never be asked to trade their independence for funding. If these nine schools say yes, it could set a dangerous trend where education becomes just another tool for political control.

Students deserve the freedom to express their beliefs. Faculty deserve the freedom to teach without pressure. And colleges should be free to admit the students they believe belong there, based on their own values—not a politician’s agenda.

We are calling on the leaders of Vanderbilt, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, USC, MIT, the University of Texas, the University of Arizona, Brown, and the University of Virginia to reject this compact. Speak up now and tell the public where you stand. The deadline is November 21.

Do not stay silent. Do not give in to political pressure. Say no to this deal.

Sign this petition if you believe our colleges should stay independent, inclusive, and free.

 
 Photo: File: Ken Cedeno/Reuters