In a first, MIT rejects Trumps funding deal on higher education reform

MIT has become the first US university to reject the Trump administrations Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, which offers preferential federal funding in return for sweeping reforms. MIT President Sally Kornbluth stated the compact restricts academic freedom and independence, conflicting with MITs merit-based funding principles. The move highlights growing resistance to federal influence over universities and raises questions about the compacts future among other invited institutions.