It seems that universities have a stronger spine than large law firms or media conglomerates.
Trump offered nine prestigious universities a deal: Adopt the Trumpian rightwing policies and you won’t have any difficulty getting federal funds in the future.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was first to say no. In the past few days, three more universities told Linda McMahon, wrestling entrepreneur, that they would not sign the “Compact.”
Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Southern California said no. No way. Our academic freedom and independence from federal control are not for sale.
Good for them!
Diane Ravitch's blog 
So glad some big institutions & companies (Go, Fox!) are standing up. I was getting really worried when major media & law firms cowered without protest.
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It is reassuring that other institutions of higher education are willing to take a stand. Trump expects everyone to allow him to meddle in their business while he calls it “freedom.” Dictators will never stop when they sense weakness. Universities can comply with the law and retain autonomy on most issues without ceding authority over to a power monger.
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Neither bribery nor blackmail work on true educators.
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Oops, works, that was.
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After the dust settles and the fascist, racist Kremlin-controlled puppet is finally held accountable for his many despicable crimes against our democracy I hope prospective students remember which universities immediately and cowardly caved to the Traitor’s “deals” by applying elsewhere. History will remember all of the enablers.
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it will be interesting to hear what Vanderbilt has to say. Not only is Vanderbilt a medical research place, it is dwelling as well in a state where immigration is motivated by political philosophy. There is bound to be pressure from potential donors. Some will demand adherence to modern oligarchy’s norms, others to democratic norms. Meanwhile, academics are generally in favor of bringing able to say what they want, and going along with Trump’s deal will virtually assure that staffing with competent instructors will be problematic for a generation at least.
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How is it that anyone takes Mafia Don’s protection racket at all seriously? Why is he not on trial under the RICO Act?
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Such great news!
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