First Historically Black University Expresses Interest in Trump Administration’s Academic Compact

First Historically Black University Expresses Interest in Trump Administration’s Academic Compact

EXCLUSIVE: A historically Black university in North Carolina has become the first to express interest in joining President Donald Trump’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. This comes after several Ivy League and prominent state universities opted out of the opportunity.

Verjanis Peoples, the interim president of St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, submitted a formal letter to David Barker, the assistant secretary for postsecondary education in the Trump administration. This letter confirmed the university’s intent to participate in the academic compact and was also signed by Sophie Gibson, the chair of the board of trustees. The communication was sent to the Department of Education on Wednesday.

In the letter, St. Augustine’s University articulated its desire to help shape the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. “As one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with a 158-year legacy of expanding educational opportunity and transforming lives, we support the Compact’s broad goal of strengthening academic excellence, accountability, and transparency across American higher education,” the letter reads.

Alignment with Compact Goals

The representatives from the university stated they recognize a strong alignment between their mission and the compact’s aspirations for excellence and accountability.

Nonetheless, the letter candidly acknowledged some specific challenges that an HBCU might face when joining the compact.

Concerns About Admissions Policies

One major concern is that the compact, which is linked to preferential federal funding for participating universities, prohibits consideration of race, ethnicity, and other identity-related characteristics in admissions and scholarship criteria. This could pose significant hurdles for a historically Black institution.

The letter highlighted this issue, stating, “For example, the Compact’s current restrictions on the use of race, ethnicity, or related indicators in admissions or financial support — while well-intentioned — conflict with Title III of the Higher Education Act and with the explicit purpose of HBCUs to expand access for Black students and historically marginalized communities.”

Financial Implications for HBCUs

Another critical point raised in the correspondence is the tuition freeze mandated by the compact. The provision stipulates that schools that join cannot raise tuition for five years after signing. Given that HBCUs often operate with smaller endowments compared to private institutions and larger state universities, this freeze could present financial challenges.

Global Partnerships and Diversity Concerns

Additionally, the university expressed concern over the compact’s conditions that restrict Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and cap foreign admissions to 15% of the total student population, with only 5% permitted from any single nation. St. Augustine’s highlighted its long-standing global partnerships across the African diaspora, which have been a vital part of its educational mission.

Looking Forward to Constructive Collaboration

Despite these challenges, the letter concluded on an optimistic note, emphasizing the university’s eagerness to participate actively as a constructive partner and as an early-engagement institution in the compact.

The communication stated, “We believe that with thoughtful collaboration, the Department and participating institutions can refine the Compact to ensure that its implementation is rigorous, mission-aligned, and inclusive of the Nation’s diverse higher education landscape.”

Also, the university respectfully requested a dialogue process that would allow HBCUs to contribute their expertise and articulate the specific constraints that may arise. This process aims to help shape the final framework in a manner that respects both the letter and spirit of the Compact while safeguarding the university’s statutory purpose.

Commitment to Educational Excellence

Verjanis Peoples articulated the university’s commitment in a statement, saying, “Our mission as a Historically Black College/University is not symbolic — it is statutory, purposeful, and essential to the students and communities we were created to serve. We fully support efforts to raise the bar on academic excellence nationwide, but those efforts must recognize the unique role HBCUs play in expanding opportunity.”

Peoples added that St. Augustine’s University is keen to collaborate on a grant that aligns with their mission and reflects the diverse educational landscape of America.

Response from Other Universities

The Trump administration had previously solicited feedback from nine schools across the nation, both public and private. A deadline for feedback was established for October 20. However, none of the colleges have signed onto the compact. Notable institutions like MIT, the University of Arizona, Brown University, Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, and the University of Virginia have all chosen not to participate.

Currently, Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas at Austin have also remained noncommittal regarding the proposal.

A Path Forward for HBCUs

The situation surrounding the compact emphasizes the complex interplay between federal educational policies and the unique missions of historically Black colleges and universities. As St. Augustine’s University navigates this landscape, its proactive engagement signals a commitment to both educational excellence and racial equity in higher education.