Seeks Records Regarding Effort to Stifle Free Thought, Independence of College Campuses 

Washington, D.C. – Leading pro-democracy legal organization Democracy Forward has requested access to public records regarding the Trump-Vance administration’s widely publicized “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education” with nine universities. The compact reportedly offers vague promises of funding and preferential treatment to educational institutions in exchange for sweeping measures that align with the administration’s political and ideological priorities. Worse, if institutions refuse to agree to the administration’s demands, the compact reportedly threatens to withhold federal funding and grants, including federal contracts and access to student loans. 

“The administration’s demands to universities raise serious constitutional concerns and are an attack on freedom of thought and the independence of educational institutions. This appears to be nothing short of political extortion,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “We are working to shine a light on the agreement and any communications surrounding its proposal or adoption. Every American should be concerned about these threats to freedom. We are working to get to the bottom of what is happening to protect people and our democracy.” 

The request, made under the Freedom of Information Act, includes all records and communications between U.S. Department of Education officials responsible for the implementation of the proposed “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education,” and any representatives of the University of Arizona, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of Texas, University of Virginia, and Vanderbilt University. 

To read the request letter, click here. 

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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.