Part 2/6:
On October 1st, the University of Pennsylvania received a formal invitation—as part of a broader initiative—offering participation in the “Compact for Academic Excellence.” This initiative, reportedly supported by the federal government, includes a series of conditions that institutions are encouraged to accept to gain increased federal financial support.
However, these conditions reportedly involve adherence to certain policies and standards that some universities consider intrusive or misaligned with their autonomy. Penn was among nine institutions nationwide that received the compact, but it distinguished itself as one of only three to refuse signing on.