The university rejected a proposal that would provide favorable access to funding in exchange for a wide range of commitments.

The compact asks colleges and universities to voluntarily agree to do away with departments "that purposefully punish, belittle and even spark violence against conservative ideas."

A White House proposal for special funding treatment crossed a line for several schools. Some say it feels like a turning point in the federal government’s battle with higher education.

In a significant move against federal influence, both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California have opted out of President Trump’s higher education initiative, which ties federal research funds to conditions like freezing tuition rates and capping international student enrollment.

In a letter to Trump administration officials, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said MIT disagrees with provisions of the proposal, including some that would limit free speech and the university’s independence. She said it’s inconsistent with MIT’s belief that scientific funding should be based on merit alone.

MIT President Sally Kornbluth said the university “cannot support” a White House proposal requiring nine elite universities to adopt President Donald Trump’s political agenda in exchange for access to federal funding.