Big Ten Universities Plot 'Defense Pact' Against Federal Control

Paul Riverbank, 4/26/2025Big Ten universities unite to protect academic independence amid federal antisemitism investigations.

The Battle for Academic Independence: Universities Push Back Against Federal Pressure

A remarkable shift is occurring across America's university landscape. As federal authorities intensify their scrutiny of campus antisemitism, an unprecedented alliance is forming among academic institutions – one that could reshape the relationship between higher education and government oversight.

I've watched this story unfold from multiple angles, and what strikes me most is the emergence of resistance from unexpected quarters. Five Jewish Democratic senators, including Chuck Schumer, have taken the unusual step of challenging their party's administration. Their carefully worded critique acknowledges the genuine concern about campus antisemitism while questioning the methods being employed to address it.

But here's what's really catching my attention: The Big Ten universities – those stalwart institutions scattered across America's heartland – are quietly crafting what they're calling a "mutual academic defense compact." This isn't just another administrative response; it's a fundamental rethinking of how universities protect their independence.

Jon Fansmith from the American Council on Education put it well when he told me, "Big Ten institutions haven't been in the crosshairs, but they can read the writing on the wall." The implications here run deep – these schools aren't just defending their peers; they're safeguarding the very principle of academic autonomy.

Harvard's situation offers a telling case study. The freezing of federal funding has sent shockwaves through academic circles, raising questions about the limits of federal authority. At Michigan, where I recently spoke with several stakeholders, the debate has taken on particular urgency. Mark Bernstein, a university regent, didn't mince words: "This notion that universities will be able to hide in the shadows while others are being attacked is an extremely dangerous and cowardly approach."

Yet not everyone in academia sees this unified front as the right response. Keith Riles, a physics professor I interviewed at Michigan, raised a crucial point: "When a university's position is based not on the law, not even on principle, but merely on what it thinks it can still get away with, it is vulnerable to the turning of political tides."

The ripple effects are touching everything from research grants to international student programs. In a recent Boston courtroom, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun's questioning of certain Department of Education decisions highlighted the legal complexities at play.

From my years covering education policy, I can say this: The challenge isn't just about addressing antisemitism – it's about preserving the delicate balance between civil rights protection and academic freedom. As universities and federal authorities navigate this landscape, they're writing a new chapter in the long-running story of American higher education.

What's clear is that this moment demands more than just reactive measures. It requires a thoughtful recalibration of how we protect both our academic institutions and our commitment to fighting discrimination. The answers won't come easily, but they'll shape our educational landscape for years to come.

The Battle for Academic Independence: Universities Push Back Against Federal PressureA remarkable shift is occurring across America's university landscape. As federal authorities intensify their scrutiny of campus antisemitism, an unprecedented alliance is forming among academic institutions – one that could reshape the relationship between higher education and government oversight.I've watched this story unfold from multiple angles, and what strikes me most is the emergence of resistance from unexpected quarters. Five Jewish Democratic senators, including Chuck Schumer, have taken the unusual step of challenging their party's administration. Their carefully worded critique acknowledges the genuine concern about campus antisemitism while questioning the methods being employed to address it.But here's what's really catching my attention: The Big Ten universities – those stalwart institutions scattered across America's heartland – are quietly crafting what they're calling a "mutual academic defense compact." This isn't just another administrative response; it's a fundamental rethinking of how universities protect their independence.Jon Fansmith from the American Council on Education put it well when he told me, "Big Ten institutions haven't been in the crosshairs, but they can read the writing on the wall." The implications here run deep – these schools aren't just defending their peers; they're safeguarding the very principle of academic autonomy.Harvard's situation offers a telling case study. The freezing of federal funding has sent shockwaves through academic circles, raising questions about the limits of federal authority. At Michigan, where I recently spoke with several stakeholders, the debate has taken on particular urgency. Mark Bernstein, a university regent, didn't mince words: "This notion that universities will be able to hide in the shadows while others are being attacked is an extremely dangerous and cowardly approach."Yet not everyone in academia sees this unified front as the right response. Keith Riles, a physics professor I interviewed at Michigan, raised a crucial point: "When a university's position is based not on the law, not even on principle, but merely on what it thinks it can still get away with, it is vulnerable to the turning of political tides."The ripple effects are touching everything from research grants to international student programs. In a recent Boston courtroom, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun's questioning of certain Department of Education decisions highlighted the legal complexities at play.From my years covering education policy, I can say this: The challenge isn't just about addressing antisemitism – it's about preserving the delicate balance between civil rights protection and academic freedom. As universities and federal authorities navigate this landscape, they're writing a new chapter in the long-running story of American higher education.What's clear is that this moment demands more than just reactive measures. It requires a thoughtful recalibration of how we protect both our academic institutions and our commitment to fighting discrimination. The answers won't come easily, but they'll shape our educational landscape for years to come.