NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In a Monday update sent to the Vanderbilt community, the university said it has "not been asked to accept or reject the draft compact," instead affirming its participation in "an ongoing dialogue."

Earlier this month, the White House asked nine universities — including Vanderbilt University — to adopt the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Education." Per previous reporting from the Associated Press, the compact asks universities to stop considering race, gender and other student demographics in the admissions process, accept the federal government's definition of gender and more.

"Despite reporting to the contrary, we have not been asked to accept or reject the draft compact. Rather, we have been asked to provide feedback and comments as part of an ongoing dialogue, and that is our intention," Vanderbilt University's Chancellor, Daniel Diermeier, "...[O]ur policy of institutional neutrality not only permits comment by the university's leadership, it encourages it. Therefore, Vanderbilt will continue to share our point of view with the administration."

Some student organizations have weighed in on the compact, with Vanderbilt College Republicans previously telling News 2 they were excited to receive the White House memo while Vanderbilt College Democrats called the proposal "dangerous." A member of the Vanderbilt Graduate Workers United Union created a petition urging the university to reject the compact.

"Over the last two weeks, many of you — students and faculty, family members and alumni — shared your thoughts about the compact. Your input continues to be invaluable, and I am grateful to be part of such an engaged and passionate university community," Diermeier added. "...We look forward to continuing the conversation — on our campus and with leaders in government and higher education — as we work toward our shared goal of restoring public trust in higher education and ensuring that America’s universities remain the best in the world."

As of publication, the University of Arizona, Brown University, Dartmouth College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California and the University of Virginia rejected the compact.

The University of Texas at Austin has not yet issued a public response about the compact.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/vanderbilt-oct-20-2025-compact-update/