AAUP and AFT condemn Trump's higher education loyalty oath proposal

Unions Criticize Proposed Loyalty Compacts for Colleges

WASHINGTON—In a joint statement, AAUP President Todd Wolfson and AFT President Randi Weingarten have strongly criticized the Trump administration's proposed loyalty compacts for higher education institutions, describing them as an ideological test that undermines academic freedom.

The Trump administration is accused of offering preferential treatment to colleges and universities that align with government priorities, a move labeled by the unions as favoritism and patronage. White House Policy Strategist May Mailman reportedly supports the initiative, suggesting that government oversight of educational institutions is "highly reasonable." However, critics argue that such compacts would lead to thought policing within American higher education, with taxpayer funds being directed in ways that compromise democratic and educational principles.

The AAUP and AFT are calling on college and university governing boards, along with academic organizations, to reject the proposed compacts. They argue that these compacts would allow for undue influence from unqualified bureaucrats in academic matters such as admissions and curriculum design. The unions emphasize that the federal government should not dictate academic inquiry or college operations, as doing so would turn educational institutions into instruments of the executive branch.

Leaders from nine prominent universities, including Vanderbilt University and the University of Pennsylvania, are urged to stand against Mailman’s initiative. The unions warn that agreeing to such compacts would be a "profound betrayal" of academic values and democratic principles, potentially damaging the reputations of the institutions and their leaders.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents a diverse range of professionals, including 1.8 million educators, healthcare workers, and government employees, advocating for the integrity of educational and democratic institutions.