The University of Oregon is staying out of the controversy surrounding President Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” The compact aims to limit international students, ban “belittling” of conservatives, and restrict department recognition. However, the university says it will make decisions based solely on its own values, such as academic excellence and free idea exchange.
According to Angela Seydel, UO director of issues management, the university has not received formal communication about the compact from the federal government and will evaluate all initiatives in its core values context. The compact offers substantial grants to institutions that agree, but those who fail to follow may face punishment.
Seven out of nine universities initially offered the compact have declined, with a new version expected to be released next month after feedback is incorporated. Some college presidents have endorsed the compact, while others, like the American Association of Colleges and Universities, oppose it. The UO remains neutral in this debate, focusing on its own path forward.
Source: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/university-of-oregon/2025/10/27/university-of-oregon-takes-no-action-on-trumps-higher-education-compact