A brief discussion between two Rutgers University professors sparked significant attention within U.S. higher education circles.
One professor specializing in chemistry at Rutgers-Camden and another in psychology at Rutgers-Newark expressed concern over sudden research funding cuts and political directives imposed on campuses.
They were equally disturbed by the absence of a coordinated response from university administrations.
David Salas-de la Cruz, who leads the chemistry graduate program at Rutgers-Camden, emphasized the need for a substantial statement, comparing the initiative to NATO—a military alliance among 32 nations.
He clarified that the issue transcends financial matters, touching the very core of educational values.
In response, Salas-de la Cruz and Paul Boxer drafted a concise "mutual defense compact" late last month. This pact calls for solidarity among the Big Ten's 18 major public universities, collectively enrolling about 600,000 students annually. The agreement asserts that any violation against one institution is a violation against all.
The compact asks member schools to pledge a "unified and vigorous response" when any university faces political or legal challenges. Faculty involvement could include providing legal assistance, strategic communications, or expert testimony.
Although more than a dozen universities' faculty have endorsed the compact, it lacks formal commitments from administrators to fund a joint defense, leading some critics to view it as symbolic rather than enforceable.
