Two universities — University of Southern California and University of Arizona — became the latest student to reject the Trump administration’s request to impose a ban on transgender bathrooms on campus. They join five other universities that have similarly rejected letters from the government offering large financial incentives in exchange for introducing so-called “reforms”, including anti-transgender measures, anti-immigration provisions, attacks on diversity programs and new restrictions on student protests. The rejection comes after prominent universities such as Brown University, Columbia University, Harvard University, and Penn University responded to previous anti-LGBTQ+ demands, some of which rejected this latest agreement.
“USC fully agrees that academic excellence cannot exist without a ‘vibrant marketplace of ideas where all different views can be explored, debated, and challenged.’ USC To foster such an environment, we are committed to institutional neutrality and have launched a number of initiatives aimed at fostering civil discussion across ideological lines. Without an environment in which students and faculty can freely discuss a wide range of ideas and perspectives, we cannot produce great research, teach students to think critically, or instill the civic values necessary for a thriving democracy.” USC interim president Kim Bong-soo In response to your request.
Last month, the Trump administration sent letters to nine universities proposing so-called “agreements” that would provide preferential access to federal aid in exchange for sweeping changes to campus policies. The agreement required universities to curb what the administration described as “punitiveness” for conservative views, limit admissions to international students, and adopt measures targeting transgender people. The agreement called for a complete rejection of transgender students’ gender identity and imposed bans on restrooms and campus sports. A copy of the administration’s requirements regarding transgender students can be viewed here.
Both universities faced immediate and strong backlash from students and faculty. At a conference held at USC on October 6th, 500 participants None of the speakers signed up to oppose the government’s deal but spoke in favor of it. “Even if the University of Southern California agrees to this deal, history will not judge kindly. The government is clearly engaged in an education war…surrender is the quickest path to destruction,” said Edward Saxon, professor of film arts. “There can be no negotiation. They are following a fascist strategy,” added Amelia Jones, associate dean of faculty and research in the School of Art and Design.
At the University of Arizona, an agreement proposed by the administration sparked widespread protests The same is true among students and faculty. Eighteen student organizations, including the Black Student Association, Pride Alliance, and University Democrats, took part in the demonstration condemning the proposal. in October meetingmany professors denounced the agreement as discriminatory and politically motivated. “For all of you who are transgender on this campus, we stand with you… What concerns me as we sit here deciding whether or not our university will sign this agreement is that it is already being leveraged by this administration,” said Dr. Carol Brochin of the College of Education. Sen. Zeiders, who represents the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (CALES), added that the agreement “shifts the focus from academic quality to compliance with political directives.” When the Faculty Senate finally voted on the agreement, it was rejected by an overwhelming majority of 40-8.
Five other universities have already rejected the deal, but not all have consistently stood up to the administration’s widespread pressure campaign. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Virginia, and Dartmouth College all rejected the proposal outright. Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania also refused, but both schools had already accepted other requests from the government related to federal funds and incorporated elements of discriminatory policies into their campus policies. On the other hand, other authoritative institutions, harvard university and Columbiafully capitulated and enacted anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ measures after facing threats from the federal government.
These two universities are affiliated Growing interagency collaboration Choose resistance over compliance. Educators and local officials across the country, from public school districts in Northern Virginia to Chicago, Denver and New York City, are rejecting the Trump administration’s efforts to weaponize federal funding against transgender students. Just this week, a federal judge sided with 16 states with challenges targeting similar policies. LGBTQ+ Inclusive education, thwarting government efforts to withhold funding. Too many institutions, including some hospitals and universities, have complied with such demands, but USC and the University of Arizona’s decisions stand out as moments of moral clarity. Their refusal will be remembered by the transgender community as proof that not everyone gave in to fear when it mattered most.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
