Apollo Management(US:APO) MINT·2025-10-10 15:55Core Viewpoint - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has rejected the Trump administration's proposal aimed at reshaping higher education policies in exchange for preferential federal funding access, emphasizing the importance of scientific freedom and merit-based funding [1][4]. Summary by Sections MIT's Response - MIT President Sally Kornbluth stated that the institution's practices already meet or exceed many of the proposed standards and expressed concerns that the deal could jeopardize scientific freedom [2][7]. - Kornbluth highlighted MIT's commitment to standardized testing in admissions and its significant financial aid offerings, rejecting legacy preferences [7]. Proposed Compact Details - The Trump administration's proposal includes capping international students, banning race or sex in hiring, freezing tuition rates for five years, and requiring standardized testing for admissions [3]. - Institutions that do not comply would face a review by the Justice Department and could lose federal benefits for at least a year [3]. Reactions from Other Institutions - Other universities, including Penn, Vanderbilt, and Dartmouth, received similar letters and were asked to respond by October 20 [8]. - Some institutions have previously made concessions to the administration, raising concerns about potential backlash if they reject the new proposal [11]. Institutional Autonomy and Academic Freedom - College leaders have expressed a commitment to protecting their autonomy while weighing the benefits of federal funding [12]. - Dartmouth's president acknowledged the need for improvement in higher education but emphasized the importance of maintaining academic freedom [13]. University of Texas' Position - The University of Texas appeared to welcome the proposal, expressing honor at being selected for potential funding advantages [14].