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Why would any university fear a pledge to uphold free speech , viewpoint diversity and academic excellence? The answer tells us everything.

On Oct. 1, 2025, President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon introduced the Compact for Academic Excellence, a proposal that invites universities to commit to core principles in exchange for eligibility for federal research funding. The compact outlines expectations for institutions to protect free expression, foster intellectual diversity and prioritize academic excellence over ideological activism.

The compact has the full backing of the Trump administration, including McMahon, who has voiced strong support for restoring academic standards and institutional account

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