Seven of the nine major research universities targeted by the so-called Trump University Loyalty Oath have now formally declined to sign. The oath, a grotesque political litmus test disguised as “patriotic compliance,” threatens to cut off both federal and (in many cases) state funding for institutions that refuse to pledge ideological obedience to the new regime.
Vanderbilt University, however, has not joined the refusals. Despite its proud private-school status and long-marketed independence, Vanderbilt has so far remained silent—neither rejecting nor denouncing the oath. Because it receives substantial federal research dollars, that silence speaks volumes.
The University of Austin, located squarely in red-state territory, is technically exempt from the requirement—its governor already pre-signed the state-level version—so its non-refusal barely registers. But for Vanderbilt, neutrality here is complicity. The rule is simple: the instant a university refuses, it loses federal and (where applicable) state funds. Vanderbilt’s trustees know this. They’re hesitating anyway.
Until they act, the count stands at seven refusals, one exemption, and one silence loud enough to hear from space.
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