Brown University, a prominent American higher education institution, has officially rejected a proposal from the administration of former US President Donald Trump that sought to link preferential federal funding to an overhaul of university policies. This decision, announced on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by Brown's President Christina Paxson, mirrors a similar refusal by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) last week.

The 'Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,' a 10-page agreement, aimed to impose restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, and introduce limits on international student enrollment. President Paxson expressed concerns that the compact would 'restrict academic freedom and undermine the autonomy of Brown's governance,' thereby compromising the university's mission.

Her statement echoed sentiments from MIT President Sally Kornbluth, who previously stated that signing the compact would 'restrict freedom of expression and our independence as an institution' and undermine merit-based research grant processes. Both universities highlighted that a fundamental aspect of academic excellence involves awarding research funding based on the merits and likely impact of the proposed research, rather than other criteria.

Historical and Political Context

The Trump administration has previously scrutinised American academic institutions, with actions such as withholding federal funding and attempting to block international student enrollment at some universities. This latest compact is seen by many higher education leaders and faculty as an escalation of efforts to align university policies with the administration's political priorities, potentially using the leverage of federal funding to pressure institutions.

Federal funding for higher education in the US is primarily distributed through student aid (loans, grants, work-study), research and development (R&D), and institutional support. In fiscal year 2022, over 60% of federal R&D funding was allocated to public institutions, predominantly doctoral institutions with medical schools.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The proposed compact's provisions included a cap on international student enrollment, limiting it to no more than 15% of an undergraduate population and ensuring no more than 5% from a single country. It also sought a five-year tuition freeze and a commitment to 'transforming or abolishing institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle and even spark violence against conservative ideas.' While the compact suggested preferential access to federal funding for signatories, it also stated that institutions were free to decline the agreement if they chose to forgo these benefits.

Academic freedom in Kenya is protected by the Kenyan Constitution, the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and regional human rights instruments. These frameworks safeguard scholars' rights to independent research, teaching, and debate, and aim to protect campuses from external interference and political intimidation.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Todd Wolfson, President of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), commended Brown University's decision, stating that it 'affirmed that no amount of federal inducement is worth surrendering the freedom to question, explore and dissent.' He emphasised that rejecting the compact upholds higher education's commitment to academic freedom and institutional self-governance.

In Kenya, academic freedom has faced challenges, with historical instances of government interference and concerns about institutional autonomy. Student groups and faculty have at times criticised government policies, highlighting the ongoing need to protect intellectual freedom within Kenyan universities.

Evidence and Data

• Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education: A 10-page proposed agreement by the Trump administration.
• International Student Enrollment Cap: Proposed limit of 15% of undergraduate population, with no more than 5% from a single country.
• Tuition Freeze: A five-year tuition freeze was among the compact's requirements.
• Federal R&D Funding (FY 2022): Over 60% of federal R&D funding went to public institutions, primarily doctoral institutions with medical schools.

Risks and Implications

For Kenyan students, shifts in US higher education policy, particularly those affecting international student enrollment and funding, could have significant implications. The US has historically been a crucial partner in African higher education through academic partnerships, funding initiatives, and scholarship programmes. Reductions in US funding for international education and stricter immigration policies could make it more challenging for Kenyan students and researchers to study and work in the US.

Conversely, these policy shifts could also present an opportunity for Kenyan universities to strengthen their local research ecosystems, increase national research funding, and foster greater intra-African collaborations.

Unknowns and Controversies

While Brown and MIT have publicly rejected the compact, other universities invited to be 'initial signatories' have largely remained quiet. The Trump administration had invited feedback from universities by October 20, 2025, and requested final decisions by November 21, 2025. It remains uncertain how many other institutions will ultimately sign or reject the compact, and what the long-term impact on federal funding distribution will be.

Timeline and Next Steps

• Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Brown University President Christina Paxson sends a letter rejecting the compact.
• Last Week (early October 2025): Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) rejects the compact.
• October 20, 2025: Deadline for universities to submit feedback on the compact.
• November 21, 2025: Deadline for universities to make a decision on signing the compact.

What to Watch

The coming weeks will reveal how other invited US universities respond to the compact, and whether the Trump administration will proceed with its proposed changes to federal funding access. The broader implications for international academic collaborations, particularly for Kenyan institutions that have established partnerships with US universities, will also be closely watched. Kenya and the US have recently strengthened their educational partnerships, with the US pledging nearly $32 million (approximately KSh 4.2 billion) in May 2024 to support STEM education and foster university-industry collaborations in Kenya.