The Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence" faces near-universal rejection from the nation's leading universities, even as the White House continues to look for takers. Hosts Mushtaq Gunja, Jon Fansmith, and Sarah Spreitzer unpack why the compact's demands are legally shaky and practically unworkable. Then they turn to UVA's separate civil rights settlement, what it signals for Title VI enforcement, and how DOJ's growing role is reshaping oversight. Also in this episode: the shutdown that isn't shutting down, deep cuts to the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights and TRIO programs, and the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:
The Trump Administration's Higher Education Compact
Statement by Higher Education Associations in Opposition to Trump Administration Compact
ACE | Oct. 17, 2025
How the Trump administration is pressuring universities to fall in line
NPR | Oct. 27, 2025
UVA
Government Shutdown and Higher Ed
Federal Judge Indefinitely Blocks Trump's Latest Layoffs
Inside Higher Ed | Oct. 29, 2025
H-1B Visas
Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
White House | Sept. 19, 2025
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Warn New H-1B Policies Could Undermine U.S. Competitiveness
ACE | Oct. 27, 2025
Letter to DHS on H-1B Visa Fee Increase (PDF)
ACE | Oct. 23, 2025
Comments to DHS on the Proposed H-1B Lottery Rule (PDF)
ACE | Oct. 24, 2025
Higher Ed Institutions Raise Concerns About H-1B Visa Fee
Inside Higher Ed | Oct. 29, 2025
Higher Ed Groups Push for Colleges To Be Exempt From $100K H-1B Visa Fee
Higher Ed Dive | Oct. 29, 2025
