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The decision follows a wave of protests and opposition from Brown’s community, including students, faculty, and alumni, who voiced concerns about the potential implications of the compact. These protests underscored a shared apprehension that the initiative could compromise academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
Arguments Against the Compact
In her correspondence, President Paxton emphasized that Brown remains committed to the principles articulated in an earlier agreement the university signed during the summer. However, she outlined specific reasons for rejecting the new compact, chiefly that it would restrict academic freedom and undermine the university’s independence in critical decision-making processes.