John,

As the Trump Administration attempts to dictate what private colleges and universities teach and censor ideas with which they disagree, the University of Pennsylvania made the right decision.

The University rejected the Trump Administration’s education compact, maintaining its academic independence and integrity.

The Trump Administration’s dangerous demands would limit freedom of speech, the freedom to learn, and the freedom to engage in constructive debate and dialogue. I’ve engaged closely with university leaders on this, and I was adamant that the independence of our higher education institutions is of the utmost importance.

Penn has long been a crucial part of the fabric of this Commonwealth, and I am in full support of the University’s decision.

Josh Shapiro