Arizona State University is clarifying its position following speculation about whether it would sign the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education."
The compact has already proven controversial in Arizona. The University of Arizona announced this week it will not sign the agreement, following pressure from U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton.
However, ASU says the situation is different for the university.
"ASU has long been a voice for change in higher education. President Crow will share his vision for higher education with students, families -- and the administration," an ASU spokesperson said. "As President Trump's team seeks new and innovative approaches, ASU will share its ideas. It is important to note that ASU has not received any compact offer. There is nothing for the university to accept, reject, or negotiate."
Crow's Perspective
Crow's perspective on federal compliance may offer insight into his approach. In a March interview with KJZZ's 'The Show', when Arizona's public universities were responding to Trump administration threats to cut funding for DEI-related initiatives amid canceled grants and research projects, Crow explained ASU's approach.
"We don't have to change any policy. Nothing," Crow stated, explaining that ASU has maintained what he described as "the purity of what a public university is supposed to be" for years.
However, Crow acknowledged that dozens of federal projects had already been canceled at ASU, with more cuts happening daily. While he recognized the government's authority to make these decisions, he said he disagreed with the reasoning behind them.
In previous statements regarding other universities, Stanton has emphasized that under Crow's leadership, "ASU's research dollars have increased exponentially, based on scientific merit, not preferential treatment."
