Courtney Joslin
@courtneygjoslin.bsky.social
Prof @UCDavisLaw, where I teach Con Law, Family Law, and Antidiscrimination Law. She/her. Thoughts my own. http://law.ucdavis.edu/faculty/joslin.
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=993725
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=993725
Shanor and Mayeri continue: "UVA’s deal is not a deal at all...Far from extricating the univ from govt oversight, the agreement subjects UVA to fed monitoring and the risk of draconian financial penalties if the fed govt decides, at its sole discretion, that the univ. has not complied."
Amanda Shanor & Serena Mayeri (Penn):
"In Oct., Pres. Trump proposed a compact for higher ed....Most of the...targeted univs rightfully rej'd Trump’s unlawful ...compact, but some schs, including UVA & Cornell, have since signed separate agreements...."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"In Oct., Pres. Trump proposed a compact for higher ed....Most of the...targeted univs rightfully rej'd Trump’s unlawful ...compact, but some schs, including UVA & Cornell, have since signed separate agreements...."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The University of Virginia and Cornell deals with Trump set a dangerous precedent | Serena Mayeri and Amanda Shanor
The bespoke agreements are full of peril for the universities, allowing the federal government to quietly exert control
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Shanor and Mayeri continue: "UVA’s deal is not a deal at all...Far from extricating the univ from govt oversight, the agreement subjects UVA to fed monitoring and the risk of draconian financial penalties if the fed govt decides, at its sole discretion, that the univ. has not complied."
Amanda Shanor & Serena Mayeri (Penn):
"In Oct., Pres. Trump proposed a compact for higher ed....Most of the...targeted univs rightfully rej'd Trump’s unlawful ...compact, but some schs, including UVA & Cornell, have since signed separate agreements...."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"In Oct., Pres. Trump proposed a compact for higher ed....Most of the...targeted univs rightfully rej'd Trump’s unlawful ...compact, but some schs, including UVA & Cornell, have since signed separate agreements...."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The University of Virginia and Cornell deals with Trump set a dangerous precedent | Serena Mayeri and Amanda Shanor
The bespoke agreements are full of peril for the universities, allowing the federal government to quietly exert control
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Amanda Shanor & Serena Mayeri (Penn):
"In Oct., Pres. Trump proposed a compact for higher ed....Most of the...targeted univs rightfully rej'd Trump’s unlawful ...compact, but some schs, including UVA & Cornell, have since signed separate agreements...."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"In Oct., Pres. Trump proposed a compact for higher ed....Most of the...targeted univs rightfully rej'd Trump’s unlawful ...compact, but some schs, including UVA & Cornell, have since signed separate agreements...."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
faculty on the left & the right join together to "vehemently and unanimously reject" trump's so-called compact with universities. highly recommend. www.usnews.com/opinion/arti...
November 22, 2025 at 1:16 AM
faculty on the left & the right join together to "vehemently and unanimously reject" trump's so-called compact with universities. highly recommend. www.usnews.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
...and the actual decision by Judge Lin on the preliminary injunction is here:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction – #90 in American Association of University Professors v. Trump (N.D. Cal., 3:25-cv-07864) – CourtListener.com
Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction
storage.courtlistener.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:42 AM
...and the actual decision by Judge Lin on the preliminary injunction is here:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
A huge district court victory for the University of California.
District courts find facts. This one found "overwhelming evidence" that the Trump administration has pervasively violated the First Amendment in its efforts to coerce and intimidate the University of California.
News story here—
District courts find facts. This one found "overwhelming evidence" that the Trump administration has pervasively violated the First Amendment in its efforts to coerce and intimidate the University of California.
News story here—
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules
A federal judge ruled Donald Trump cannot demand that UCLA pay a $1.2 billion settlement that would have restricted academic freedoms.
calmatters.org
November 15, 2025 at 1:41 AM
A huge district court victory for the University of California.
District courts find facts. This one found "overwhelming evidence" that the Trump administration has pervasively violated the First Amendment in its efforts to coerce and intimidate the University of California.
News story here—
District courts find facts. This one found "overwhelming evidence" that the Trump administration has pervasively violated the First Amendment in its efforts to coerce and intimidate the University of California.
News story here—
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
My statement on the proposed Senate deal
November 10, 2025 at 1:14 AM
My statement on the proposed Senate deal
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
I can’t support this bill. It doesn’t meet the urgency of the moment and deliver actual relief that can pass both chambers of Congress.
I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating health care cost increases that are hurting millions of families. 1/2
I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating health care cost increases that are hurting millions of families. 1/2
November 10, 2025 at 1:08 AM
I can’t support this bill. It doesn’t meet the urgency of the moment and deliver actual relief that can pass both chambers of Congress.
I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating health care cost increases that are hurting millions of families. 1/2
I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating health care cost increases that are hurting millions of families. 1/2
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
I’ve voted 7 times to reopen the government in a way that holds Trump accountable for his lawlessness and prevents a health care crisis.
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
November 10, 2025 at 12:48 AM
I’ve voted 7 times to reopen the government in a way that holds Trump accountable for his lawlessness and prevents a health care crisis.
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
I’m prepared to work toward a compromise, but this “deal” before us does not come close to meeting those terms. Voting NO.
Full statement:
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
“I think it’s a terrible mistake,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren says of the deal. “People want us to stand and fight for health care, and that's what I believe.” (via Igor Bobic, HuffPo) x.com/igorbobic/st...
November 10, 2025 at 12:42 AM
“I think it’s a terrible mistake,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren says of the deal. “People want us to stand and fight for health care, and that's what I believe.” (via Igor Bobic, HuffPo) x.com/igorbobic/st...
170+ (and counting) law faculty from all 5 UC law schools join a letter detailing why the Trump Admin demands to UCLA are unlawful and wrong.
cc @gavinnewsom.bsky.social
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social
#StandUpforUC
cc @gavinnewsom.bsky.social
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social
#StandUpforUC
160 faculty from all 5 UC law schools signed this open letter detailing why the Trump demands to UCLA are unlawful, unconstitutional, and wrong: sites.google.com/view/uclawfa... Great to work with @fishkin.bsky.social @blakeprof.bsky.social @seanashiffrin.bsky.social on this statement.
Home
UC Law Faculty to Regents: Resist the Unlawful Demands
sites.google.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:28 PM
170+ (and counting) law faculty from all 5 UC law schools join a letter detailing why the Trump Admin demands to UCLA are unlawful and wrong.
cc @gavinnewsom.bsky.social
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social
#StandUpforUC
cc @gavinnewsom.bsky.social
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social
#StandUpforUC
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
160 faculty from all 5 UC law schools signed this open letter detailing why the Trump demands to UCLA are unlawful, unconstitutional, and wrong: sites.google.com/view/uclawfa... Great to work with @fishkin.bsky.social @blakeprof.bsky.social @seanashiffrin.bsky.social on this statement.
Home
UC Law Faculty to Regents: Resist the Unlawful Demands
sites.google.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:05 PM
160 faculty from all 5 UC law schools signed this open letter detailing why the Trump demands to UCLA are unlawful, unconstitutional, and wrong: sites.google.com/view/uclawfa... Great to work with @fishkin.bsky.social @blakeprof.bsky.social @seanashiffrin.bsky.social on this statement.
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
October 27, 2025 at 10:05 PM
🧵 from @fishkin.bsky.social on the proposed Trump admin “settlement” with UCLA
My first, primary overarching observation about this deal is:
UVA agreed to pay $0 in penalties in its "deal."
After that, there is simply no way the UC Regents can with a straight face agree that California must pay the feds $1.17 billion.
This is simply extortion and the only response is "no."
UVA agreed to pay $0 in penalties in its "deal."
After that, there is simply no way the UC Regents can with a straight face agree that California must pay the feds $1.17 billion.
This is simply extortion and the only response is "no."
October 27, 2025 at 1:12 AM
🧵 from @fishkin.bsky.social on the proposed Trump admin “settlement” with UCLA
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
I have an opinion piece in @insidehighered.com arguing:
“No university leader or trustee can truthfully say that it fulfills their fiduciary responsibility to sign their school up for this.”
Whereas rejecting the compact—even simply by doing nothing—is an opportunity for all of higher ed.
“No university leader or trustee can truthfully say that it fulfills their fiduciary responsibility to sign their school up for this.”
Whereas rejecting the compact—even simply by doing nothing—is an opportunity for all of higher ed.
Rejecting the Compact Is an Opportunity (opinion)
The only action needed now is no action at all, Joseph Fishkin writes.
www.insidehighered.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I have an opinion piece in @insidehighered.com arguing:
“No university leader or trustee can truthfully say that it fulfills their fiduciary responsibility to sign their school up for this.”
Whereas rejecting the compact—even simply by doing nothing—is an opportunity for all of higher ed.
“No university leader or trustee can truthfully say that it fulfills their fiduciary responsibility to sign their school up for this.”
Whereas rejecting the compact—even simply by doing nothing—is an opportunity for all of higher ed.
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
Today is the deadline for the nine original invitees to provide feedback on the White House’s compact. So far none have accepted it wholesale- Vanderbilt said it would provide feedback. Silence from UT Austin. @byjoshmoody.bsky.social reports www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
Arizona Rejects Compact, Others Leave Options Open
Monday’s deadline to provide feedback on the Trump administration’s proposed deal passed with no signatories and silence from some university leaders invited to join.
www.insidehighered.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Today is the deadline for the nine original invitees to provide feedback on the White House’s compact. So far none have accepted it wholesale- Vanderbilt said it would provide feedback. Silence from UT Austin. @byjoshmoody.bsky.social reports www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
Not really sure what to call this non-committal response from Vanderbilt, but it's not a yes. t.e2ma.net/message/tu4x...
October 20, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Not really sure what to call this non-committal response from Vanderbilt, but it's not a yes. t.e2ma.net/message/tu4x...
Univ. of Arizona becomes the 7th of the original 9 targeted schools (after MIT, Brown, Penn, USC, UVA, and Dartmouth) to reject the Trump Compact.
The remaining schools are the Univ. of Texas and Vanderbilt.
The remaining schools are the Univ. of Texas and Vanderbilt.
University of Arizona now also rejects, albeit in a very conciliatory manner. No comments about academic freedom, just concern that preferential treatment by the government would be anti-merit.
7 out of the 9 initially contacted universities have now said no.
president.arizona.edu/sites/defaul...
7 out of the 9 initially contacted universities have now said no.
president.arizona.edu/sites/defaul...
October 20, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Univ. of Arizona becomes the 7th of the original 9 targeted schools (after MIT, Brown, Penn, USC, UVA, and Dartmouth) to reject the Trump Compact.
The remaining schools are the Univ. of Texas and Vanderbilt.
The remaining schools are the Univ. of Texas and Vanderbilt.
Memo "detail[ing] significant First
Amendment violations the [Trump] Compact creates" from @aaup.org, @genevievelakier.bsky.social, and @veenadubal.bsky.social.
Amendment violations the [Trump] Compact creates" from @aaup.org, @genevievelakier.bsky.social, and @veenadubal.bsky.social.
W/ @genevievelakier.bsky.social, the @aaup.org today released a letter to the Offices of the General Counsel at US colleges & universities. We detail why the Compact violates the Constitution & urge that no one signs it.
www.aaup.org/sites/defaul...
www.aaup.org/sites/defaul...
www.aaup.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Memo "detail[ing] significant First
Amendment violations the [Trump] Compact creates" from @aaup.org, @genevievelakier.bsky.social, and @veenadubal.bsky.social.
Amendment violations the [Trump] Compact creates" from @aaup.org, @genevievelakier.bsky.social, and @veenadubal.bsky.social.
Dartmouth becomes the 6th of the 9 targeted universities (after MIT, Brown, Penn, USC, UVA) to reject the Trump compact.
The remaining 3 are: Univ of Arizona, Univ of Texas, and Vanderbilt.
The remaining 3 are: Univ of Arizona, Univ of Texas, and Vanderbilt.
Dartmouth is OUT! Thank goodness... a friend at U of A and I have been playing "Who will be the last of the 9 standing?" and it's not gonna be us!
October 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Dartmouth becomes the 6th of the 9 targeted universities (after MIT, Brown, Penn, USC, UVA) to reject the Trump compact.
The remaining 3 are: Univ of Arizona, Univ of Texas, and Vanderbilt.
The remaining 3 are: Univ of Arizona, Univ of Texas, and Vanderbilt.
UVA becomes the 5th of 9 targeted universities (after MIT, Brown, Penn, and USC) to reject the Trump compact.
The remaining schools are: Dartmouth, University of Arizona, University of Texas, Vanderbilt
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
The remaining schools are: Dartmouth, University of Arizona, University of Texas, Vanderbilt
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
U.Va. rejects Trump administration Compact for Academic Excellence
The University has rejected the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” which he received from the White House and Department of Education Oct. 1, according to a community statement rel...
www.cavalierdaily.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
UVA becomes the 5th of 9 targeted universities (after MIT, Brown, Penn, and USC) to reject the Trump compact.
The remaining schools are: Dartmouth, University of Arizona, University of Texas, Vanderbilt
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
The remaining schools are: Dartmouth, University of Arizona, University of Texas, Vanderbilt
www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
USC becomes the 4th of the 9 targeted universities (after MIT, Brown, and Penn) to reject the compact
Breaking: USC has rejected President Trump's education compact. The university's interim president Beong-Soo Kim said in a statement that he had sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education turning down the Trump offer, which has been presented to nine schools. www.latimes.com/california/s...
USC rejects Trump education compact
The University of Southern California had rejected the controversial education compact the Trump administration offered it and eight other schools.
www.latimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:05 PM
USC becomes the 4th of the 9 targeted universities (after MIT, Brown, and Penn) to reject the compact
Penn becomes the 3d of the 9 targeted universities (after MIT and Brown) to reject the Trump compact.
www.thedp.com/article/2025...
www.thedp.com/article/2025...
Penn rejects White House proposal for special funding treatment
With the decision, Penn becomes the third university to decline the offer.
www.thedp.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Penn becomes the 3d of the 9 targeted universities (after MIT and Brown) to reject the Trump compact.
www.thedp.com/article/2025...
www.thedp.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
By requiring institutional neutrality except on issues that impact a university's mission, the Trump Compact for Higher Ed would put the Department of Justice in charge of deciding what every university's mission should be.
rb.gy/7gjkp8
rb.gy/7gjkp8
Trump’s ‘compact’ with universities holds a hidden danger
OPINION: By imposing institutional neutrality, the Trump administration is giving itself the power to determine our universities’ missions, UC Davis law professor Brian Soucek writes.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:20 PM
By requiring institutional neutrality except on issues that impact a university's mission, the Trump Compact for Higher Ed would put the Department of Justice in charge of deciding what every university's mission should be.
rb.gy/7gjkp8
rb.gy/7gjkp8
Indeed, among those Brown community members speaking up were a group Brown alums who are now law professors -- including Kate Shaw. The group submitted a letter identifying key concerns with the compact.
standstrongbrown.org/brown-alumni...
standstrongbrown.org/brown-alumni...
October 15, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Indeed, among those Brown community members speaking up were a group Brown alums who are now law professors -- including Kate Shaw. The group submitted a letter identifying key concerns with the compact.
standstrongbrown.org/brown-alumni...
standstrongbrown.org/brown-alumni...
Reposted by Courtney Joslin
Brown rejects the compact!
President Paxson’s letter references the views of stakeholders - & I know as an alum how activated the Brown community was while the school considered its response - an important reminder of how much organizing matters
President Paxson’s letter references the views of stakeholders - & I know as an alum how activated the Brown community was while the school considered its response - an important reminder of how much organizing matters
Breaking News: Brown University became the second college to reject a White House deal offering preferential treatment for federal grants.
Brown University Rejects White House Deal for Special Treatment
Brown was the second university to turn down the deal, which would have given a funding preference to universities that agreed to certain requirements.
nyti.ms
October 15, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Brown rejects the compact!
President Paxson’s letter references the views of stakeholders - & I know as an alum how activated the Brown community was while the school considered its response - an important reminder of how much organizing matters
President Paxson’s letter references the views of stakeholders - & I know as an alum how activated the Brown community was while the school considered its response - an important reminder of how much organizing matters