Secretary of Education Linda E. McMahon has issued a national call to action to university presidents and governing boards, urging them to reaffirm their commitment to serving the American people. The request comes as public trust in higher education has reached record lows, according to the August 3, 2026, announcement.
The Secretary requested that postsecondary institutions describe their commitments to rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research, and national service on their institutional websites before the end of 2026. This initiative aims to use transparency to strengthen the bond between higher education and the American public.
In the call for action, the Secretary asked university leaders to address several specific areas regarding institutional reform. These include ensuring admissions criteria are transparent and based on merit to avoid allegations of favoritism or illegal discrimination. The Secretary also emphasized the need to protect the free exchange of ideas and ensure that protests do not disrupt campus operations.
Further questions posed to institutions involve addressing the politicization of academic disciplines to encourage intellectual pluralism. The Secretary also highlighted the need for universities to manage rising costs, improve pricing transparency, and ensure degrees provide a high return for families. Additionally, the call addressed the need to maintain academic rigor in the age of artificial intelligence and to protect research enterprises from foreign influence.
Finally, the Secretary called on universities to prioritize American interests, students, and faculty. The request emphasizes that the research enterprise should be oriented toward supporting the country's economic and security needs.
The Secretary stated that this forthright conversation with the American people is essential for rebuilding trust in the higher education sector. The announcement suggests that bold reforms could lead to a new era of opportunity and American leadership.
