Campus ctivists call for ‘mutual defense compact’ against Trump executive orders
A coalition of universities, including those that receive federal funding, are considering a unified response to President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting progressive initiatives in public education. Campus activists at Rutgers University have passed a resolution for the establishment of a “Mutual Defense Compact” within the Big Ten Academic Alliance to oppose the administration’s policies.
The resolution calls on Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway to lead the effort and convene a summit of academic and legal leaders from Big Ten institutions to implement the Compact. The move has sparked debate among faculty members, with some questioning the motives behind the initiative.
Dr. Kevin Jon Williams, a professor at Temple University, criticized the resolution, stating that the left has previously stifled free speech on campus by banning conservative speakers and punishing individuals for minor infractions. He accused the coalition of hiding behind the guise of free speech while pursuing their own agenda.
The resolution aims to defend academic freedom, institutional integrity, and the research enterprise from what it describes as politically motivated actions by the government. It proposes the creation of a shared defense fund to provide support in cases of perceived legal and political infringements.
The Big Ten Academic Alliance, which comprises universities from the Big Ten Conference, drafted the resolution to promote research collaboration and resource sharing among member institutions. The proposal is set to be transmitted to all Big Ten universities for consideration.
Critics like Williams have raised concerns about the partisan nature of the resolution, which condemns the Trump administration broadly. They warn that such actions could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the universities involved. Many Big Ten universities rely on federal grants for research from agencies like the NIH and NSF.
The resolution comes at a time when the Trump administration has scrutinized universities receiving federal funding for alleged civil rights violations, including antisemitism and racial discrimination. The administration has also targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on campuses and issued executive orders restricting transgender rights in education.
As the debate continues within the academic community, the future of the Mutual Defense Compact and its implications for higher education remain uncertain. The universities involved must navigate the complex intersection of politics, funding, and academic freedom in a rapidly changing landscape.
