State schools chief Tom Horne, who is also a member of the Arizona Board of Regents, has expressed support for the Trump administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. He believes it aligns with his philosophy against racial entitlements. Horne said, “Since I took on the Tucson Unified district in 2008 to end the racially divisive ‘Ethnic Studies’ program, I have been fighting against racial entitlements. People should be judged on their character and merit, not the color of their skin.”
Horne emphasized that both the University of Arizona (UA) and Arizona State University (ASU) are in discussions about implementing this agreement. He refuted claims that UA has rejected the compact, stating that reports suggesting otherwise are untrue.
According to Horne, UA President Suresh Garimella sent a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressing alignment with the administration’s vision for strengthening higher education through a merit-based approach. The letter states: “We have much common ground with the ideas your administration is advancing on changes that would benefit American higher education and our nation at large,” and “We welcome the opportunity to engage other universities, higher education associations, members of Congress, and your administration to advance and implement our principles in alignment with the national interest.”
The letter further highlights UA’s efforts under Garimella’s leadership to reduce administrative spending by 22%, freeze tuition for in-state students, align research priorities with national needs, expand partnerships with community colleges, and foster a campus culture rooted in civil discourse.
Horne remains confident that UA and ASU will consider these principles seriously as they continue discussions with federal authorities.
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