Newsom Threatens Funding Cuts to Universities Signing Trump’s Academic Deal

California Governor Gavin Newsom has warned that any universities agreeing to President Donald Trump’s proposed “academic excellence” deal might face significant cuts to state funding.

On Thursday, Trump shared a 10-point memorandum titled “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” with nine universities. This document outlines advantages for schools that adhere to various stipulations:

1. The first point emphasizes equal treatment in admissions, arguing that treating certain groups as inherently less capable perpetuates a harmful notion of inferiority. It also addresses factors like sex, ethnicity, and political views, suggesting universities should publicly share anonymous data on admissions decisions.
2. The second point encourages a “vibrant” marketplace of ideas, urging institutions to eliminate any practices that would punish or marginalize conservative viewpoints. Signatories would need to protect academic freedom across all academic endeavors.
3. The third point calls for nondiscriminatory hiring, insisting on a rigorous selection process based on objective criteria.
4. Regarding institutional neutrality, the memo requires university staff to refrain from engaging in political discourse in their official capacities, while still allowing them to comment on current events as individuals.
5. On student education, schools must uphold grade integrity, ensuring grades are not inappropriately adjusted for non-academic reasons.
6. Student equality is emphasized, requesting that students be treated based on their individual merits, not immutable characteristics—except in cases requiring sex-based privacy and safety, underlining the need for single-sex spaces for women’s equality.
7. The document also stresses financial accountability, suggesting universities eliminate unnecessary positions and programs, conducting audits to disclose any misuse of funds while providing graduates’ earning statistics to help inform prospective students.
8. Universities should carefully assess foreign donations and screen international students for any anti-American sentiment.
9. The agreement mandates maintaining preferential admissions for U.S. citizens, allowing religious institutions to retain specific hiring and admissions preferences.
10. Lastly, universities must report annually on their compliance and engage an independent party to verify their progress to the U.S. Department of Justice.

If institutions fail to comply after signing, they could lose benefits for at least two years, which include access to student loans and grants.

In response to the president’s proposal, Newsom took to social media, stating, “California universities that bend to the will of Donald Trump and sign this insane ‘compact’ will lose billions in state funding — IMMEDIATELY.” He reiterated that California wouldn’t support schools compromising academic freedom.

“California will not bankroll schools that sign away academic freedom,” he added.

Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson remarked that Newsom should address issues within California rather than oppose the compact. They claimed his stance contradicts efforts to curb rising tuition costs and protect free speech.

This compact has reportedly been sent to both public and private colleges.