Brown University Rejects New Funding Proposal Over Academic Freedom Concerns

Thu Oct 16 2025 06:32:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant move, Brown University has officially turned down a funding proposal from the Trump administration citing potential threats to academic freedom and governance autonomy. This decision follows similar refusals from other prestigious institutions.

Brown University has declined a proposal from the Trump administration aimed at securing funding in exchange for commitments related to admissions and free speech. The university's president, Christina Paxson, articulated concerns that the deal would encroach on academic freedom and governance, echoing similar sentiments shared by other universities, including MIT. The Trump administration encouraged institutions to reconsider its offer by set deadlines but faces a growing number of rejections among prestigious universities wary of compromising their independence.

Washington, D.C. — Brown University has officially rejected a funding proposal by the Trump administration, arguing that the terms involved could significantly undermine the institution's academic freedom and independence. President Christina Paxson addressed the matter in a detailed letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, expressing that while some aspects of the proposal align with Brown's values, others restrict essential academic governance.

This decision aligns Brown University with a growing list of educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which have similarly stepped away from the proposal. The administration described the offer as a means to access substantial federal grants, touting various positive outcomes; however, many universities see it as a violation of their autonomy and a possible threat to the fundamental principles of academic independence.

Paxson articulated strong discomfort regarding the proposal’s provisions, stating, The Compact would critically compromise our ability to fulfill our mission. The university's stance reflects a broader sentiment across campuses that cherish academic expression and governance.

Brown was among nine universities selected as potential signatories for the compact, which now faces skepticism and pushback from several quarters. As the proposal awaits feedback due by October 20, universities like Brown remain committed to protecting their articulate stance on academic integrity, free speech, and independence in the face of outside pressures.

Previously, Brown had engaged with the Trump administration to restore lost funding in a deal that included terms supporting equity and research opportunities but safeguarded the institution's academic freedoms—a safeguard absent in the current proposal.

The broader implication is that institutions are increasingly cautious about any agreements that may lead to the erosion of academic independence. The administration has urged schools to foster “a return to the pursuit of truth and achievement” and open the door for future reconsideration, emphasizing the potential advantages of the proposed compact on student outcomes.