Universities Reject Trump's Offer, Protests and Teach-Ins Gain Momentum

Protests Intensify as Universities Reject Trump's Initiative

Momentum Builds: PENN and USC Join M.I.T. and Brown in Dismissing Trump's Offer

AAUP & AFT Host National Online Teach-In on Combating Trump's Compact

Across the Country — A wave of student-led protests and educational events is sweeping across nine university campuses, all of which were approached by Trump’s proposal offering preferential treatment for compliance with specific ideological demands. These campus gatherings focus on the historical defense of academic freedom and appeal to university leaders to resist Trump’s attempt to impose his authoritarian ideology.

The recent actions by the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California, rejecting Trump's ultimatum, follow in the footsteps of M.I.T. and Brown. This growing movement signals a shift in academia’s response. Students and faculty from nearly 1000 campuses are launching a nationwide campaign to broaden the reach of these protests.

The AAUP and AFT have scheduled a National Teach-In on Trump's Loyalty Oaths today at 2 PM ET via Zoom, with press access available.

*Register Here*

“No amount of federal inducement is worth surrendering the freedom to question, explore, and dissent," stated Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors. He emphasized the importance of resisting Trump’s "corrupt bribery attempt" which threatens to undermine academic freedom and technological innovation.

Randi Weingarten, president of AFT, praised the universities' decision, saying, “At a time when higher education is under relentless political attack, the universities that refused to sign onto Trump’s Faustian bargain showed real courage and integrity.” She highlighted the alliance between educators, students, and communities in defending academic freedom.

Simon Aron, a sophomore involved with Brown Rise Up, expressed confidence in their resistance, noting, “Tens of thousands of students and workers fought back against Trump’s attacks and won. We won’t let Trump dictate what we are allowed to study and research, who is safe on campus, and what we can speak out about.”

Aru Shiney-Ajay, Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement, criticized Trump's tactics, stating, “Trump is following the authoritarian playbook to a 'T’. He wants to silence dissent and make our schools his personal playground.”

Alicia Colomer, Managing Director at Campus Climate Network, added, "Young people are making their message very clear: universities should be a place of learning, not propaganda machines." She expressed optimism that the ongoing actions will lead more schools to reject the compact.

About the American Association of University Professors:

The mission of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is to advance academic freedom and shared governance; to define fundamental professional values and standards for higher education; to promote the economic security of faculty, academic professionals, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and all those engaged in teaching and research in higher education; to help the higher education community organize to make our goals a reality; and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good. Founded in 1915, the AAUP has helped to shape American higher education by developing the standards and procedures that maintain quality in education and academic freedom in this country's colleges and universities.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.