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The rejection by Brown follows similar actions by other institutions, notably the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which also chose not to sign the compact. This collective stance indicates a broader resistance within the academic community to national policies perceived as threatening academic integrity and institutional independence.
Conclusion
Brown University’s decision to decline participation in the Trump administration’s higher education compact reflects ongoing tensions between federal policy initiatives and the core values of academic freedom and independence. As universities navigate these complex issues, their choices will continue to influence discussions around the role of government in higher education and the preservation of diverse academic environments.