One opinion on the "Compact for Academic Excellence."

The following comments were submitted by me to Brown and reflect my own opinion and not the opinion of Brown Club Orange County.

There are some good ideas and some bad ideas in the so-called Compact for Academic Excellence. To the extent that it compromises Brown's autonomy with regard to admissions, academic freedom, personnel management or anything else, it's a Faustian bargain. The negative impact on Brown's reputation, freedom and relationship with alumni and the public at large is just not worth it. As others have said, compromising with the Trump administration to secure more funding is opening the door to additional, more stringent demands. It's a one-way street we don't want to go down. The agreement Brown already entered is enough. No more is needed or should be tolerated. 

Ever true, Scott Westerfield '79, Co-President Brown Club Orange County.