Higher Ed Leaders Criticize Trump's Revised Compact as Politically Driven

Response to Trump Administration’s Revised Higher Education Compact

WASHINGTON—The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) have expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration's latest initiative on higher education. AFT President Randi Weingarten and AAUP President Todd Wolfson have criticized the plan, labeling it a continuation of previous efforts that were rejected by faculty, students, and unions.

The new initiative, titled "A National Call to Action to University Presidents and Governing Boards," is seen by critics as an attempt to impose a far-right agenda on educational institutions. Despite its softened language, opponents argue that it still poses a threat to the integrity of teaching, learning, and research.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s calls for reform are perceived as a guise for increased federal involvement. Phrases such as "admissions decisions based on merit" and "prioritizing American students and faculty" are criticized for their racially coded implications. Additionally, the portrayal of peaceful protests as "unruly and violent" is seen as a mischaracterization.

The revised compact, while omitting some of the more controversial elements of its predecessor, such as threats to research funding and targeted attacks on transgender individuals, is still viewed unfavorably. The AFT and AAUP maintain that organized resistance, rather than compliance, is the appropriate response to such authoritarian measures.

Concerns were also raised regarding the reported collaboration of the Association of American Universities and several university presidents with the administration. This cooperation is criticized as a failure to uphold the responsibilities of educational leadership.

The AFT and AAUP urge higher education workers to organize and advocate for the rejection of the new compact. They emphasize the importance of addressing issues like transparent admissions, rising tuition costs, and the impact of artificial intelligence without resorting to the divisive measures proposed by the administration.

Weingarten and Wolfson argue for a vision of higher education that is inclusive, innovative, and economically empowering, rather than one shaped by political pressures. They call for institutions to embrace their role as engines of societal advancement and opportunity.

About the American Federation of Teachers

The AFT represents 1.8 million members, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, school-related personnel, higher education faculty, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.