A Call to Reforge the Historic Compact Between Higher Education and the Federal Government

The longstanding partnership between the federal government and colleges and universities has made American higher education the envy of the world and an engine of national progress and prosperity. All Americans, whether they went to college or not, have benefited from this compact. The results are embedded in the smartphones they hold in their hands, the cars they drive, the medical care they receive when they need it most, and the inventions that power our world-leading economy.

The undersigned associations represent those colleges and universities and the communities they serve. On behalf of tens of millions of students, educators, researchers, and administrators nationwide, we oppose recent government actions that jeopardize this partnership. We urge the administration to work with us to reforge this compact and advance our shared national interests.

The entire country benefits when policymakers and higher education leaders respect a common understanding of the vital role colleges and universities play in advancing the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States. Institutions welcome and support students from all backgrounds; compete to train and support the best researchers; and work to meet the needs of our government and the public. In turn, the government has always respected the rights of campuses, enshrined in law, to decide whom they enroll, what they teach, and how they choose to teach.

This balance is dangerously disrupted when billions of dollars in funding for education and competitively awarded research grants are held hostage for political reasons and without due process. Release of funds obligated to institutions should not be conditioned on which students universities admit, what kinds of academic programs they offer, and how they organize and oversee their faculty. Campuses should not be attacked for building communities that reflect their missions and the broad diversity of this country. Students and scholars should not fear deportation just for exercising their right to speak freely.

There is a better way. Higher education can and must improve to earn and maintain the public’s trust. But political attacks against higher education only divide and weaken us all. We call on the administration to join with colleges and universities to move forward by renewing and expanding the partnership that is essential for building a stronger America.

Achieving the Dream

ACPA-College Student Educators International

American Association of Colleges and Universities

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

American Association of University Professors

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

American College Health Association

American Council on Education

Association for Institutional Research

Association for Student Conduct Administration

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

Association for the Study of Higher Education

Association of American Law Schools

Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

Association of College and University Housing Officers-International

Association of College Unions International

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges

Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities

Association of Research Libraries

Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry

Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health

Association on Higher Education and Disability

Campus Compact

Complete College America

Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education

Council of Graduate Schools

Council on Social Work Education

EDUCAUSE

Higher Education Loan Coalition

Higher Learning Commission

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

National Association for College Admission Counseling

National Association of Campus Card Users

National Association of College and University Business Officers

National Association of Colleges and Employers

National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

National Council of University Research Administrators

New England Commission of Higher Education

NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation

NODA-Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education

Phi Beta Kappa Society

Society for College and University Planning

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

UPCEA

WASC Senior College and University Commission

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About AACTE

Established in 1948, AACTE is the leading voice in educator preparation. AACTE’s member institutions and programs prepare the greatest number of professional educators in the United States and its territories, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and college faculty. These professional educators are prepared for careers in PK-12 classrooms, colleges and universities, state and governmental agencies, policy institutes, and non-profit organizations. Learn more at aacte.org.