U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon waits for President Donald Trump to speak at a rally June 24 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. McMahon sent a letter Monday to U.S. colleges and universities, asking them to commit to changes by the end of 2026. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent an open letter to American colleges Monday, asking administrators to commit to changes in line with the Trump administration's higher education agenda before the end of the year.
In it, McMahon asked schools to post statements about various subjects -- including academic rigor, free speech and "malign" foreign influence -- prominently on their websites, saying it will improve public perception.
It also asks them for statements on prioritizing "American interests" and hiring faculty of "all relevant perspectives." The Trump administration has previously said colleges and universities are too liberal.
"The dilution of academic standards, opaque admissions policies and a domineering monoculture have badly eroded public trust" in education, McMahon wrote. The letter continues to say that "only full candor and transparency can begin to strengthen the bonds between higher education and the American people."
