Vanderbilt reviews Trump-era funding deal demanding race-blind admissions and tuition freezes.

Vanderbilt University is reviewing the Trump administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence,” which offers federal funding in exchange for policies like banning race and sex considerations in admissions, a tuition freeze, and a binary gender definition. Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said Vanderbilt has not yet accepted or rejected the proposal, instead providing feedback as part of an ongoing dialogue with the White House. The university emphasized its commitment to academic freedom and institutional neutrality, while student and faculty groups have raised concerns over potential threats to constitutional rights and autonomy. The final decision is pending, with input due by October 20.