"Tell UVA to Stand Firm: Come to Friday’s Rally"

Dear Wahoos,

The Trump Administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” is no longer an effort to extort just nine universities. The Department of Education has now extended their invitation to a broader group of higher education institutions. This is not an act of generosity. It’s a coordinated attempt to bring all of higher education under federal political oversight.

This development only reinforces the need for UVA to take a clear, public stand: No Compact. Not now. Not ever.

UVA cannot be complicit in this takeover of higher ed. MIT was the first to say no to the Compact, UVA should be next!

Five Simple Reasons to Say “No”

A Wahoos4UVA supporter sent us this compelling list of reasons why UVA should refuse to sign the Compact:

1. The compact is contrary to the First Amendment and the core principles for which Thomas Jefferson stood.
2. It functions as a plea agreement to offenses the University has not committed.
3. There is no mechanism for resolving disputes arising under the compact.
4. Scientific grants should be awarded solely based on scientific merit.
5. Installing the federal government as an ideological monitor chills diversity of opinion and silences free inquiry.

Here’s what you can do this week:

On Friday, October 17 at Noon, join students, alumni, faculty, and staff at The Rotunda to send a clear, unmistakable message to Interim President Mahoney and Rector Sheridan:

DO NOT SIGN. DO NOT FOLD.

Friday’s rally must be more than symbolic. UVA’s leadership must see the depth and breadth of our community’s opposition. A massive, peaceful turnout is essential to make clear that students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and neighbors stand united. Numbers matter. Bring your enthusiasm and signs. Inflatable costumes optional but always welcome!

What: Rally Against the Compact

Where: The Rotunda

When: Friday, October 17 at 12 Noon

Who: Students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, family members, neighbors, and friends of the University.

Why: Show UVA’s leadership that our community is opposed to handing over control of our University to the federal government, regardless of which party is in power.

Let’s come together as a community and speak with one voice:

No Compact. Not now. Not ever.

Sign a petition urging UVA’s leadership to refuse to sign the Compact:

Alumni Petition

Student/Faculty/Staff/Others Petition

Together, we can ensure that UVA remains what Jefferson envisioned: a state University free from political control.

With determination and resolve,
Ann Brown (College ’74, Law ’77)
Chris Ford (Engineering ’87)
Co-Chairs, Wahoos4UVA
www.Wahoos4UVA.com

P.S. Thank you to our readers who hung in with our longer-than-usual emails sent in recent weeks. Our goal was to share important content knowing you want to understand the substance of the challenges UVA faces. We value your time, so we promise we won’t make a habit of long messages. We’re grateful for both your interest and your patience.

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