I asked Grok to rewrite the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education so that it reflects promoting an oppressor-oppressed perspective typical of today’s postmodern universities. I am sure that all postmodern universities would joyfully and virtuously sign this compact.

Here is how Grok responded.

Below is a rewritten version of the provided “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” reframed to reflect an oppressor-oppressed perspective. This perspective emphasizes systemic power dynamics, historical inequities, and the need to address structural disadvantages faced by marginalized groups. The rewrite maintains the original structure but shifts the language and priorities to align with this framework, focusing on dismantling oppressive systems and promoting equity for historically oppressed groups.

COMPACT FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE IN HIGHER EDUCATIONINTRODUCTION

American higher education has long been a site of both opportunity and exclusion, reflecting the broader systemic inequities embedded in our society. The U.S. university system benefits from a privileged relationship with the U.S. government, including access to student loans, grants, federal contracts, research funding, visa approvals, and tax benefits. To advance the national interest in dismantling systemic oppression and fostering justice, this Compact for Equity and Justice in Higher Education outlines priorities for universities receiving these benefits. Institutions choosing to prioritize alternative models over equity and justice may forego federal support.

1 – EQUITY IN ADMISSIONS

Historical and ongoing systemic barriers have disproportionately excluded marginalized groups—such as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other communities of color, as well as low-income and first-generation students—from higher education. Admissions processes must actively counteract these inequities to ensure fair access.

Therefore, universities shall implement admissions policies that prioritize equity by considering the structural disadvantages faced by historically oppressed groups. This includes affirmative measures to increase representation of underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, as well as those marginalized by gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Admissions criteria shall account for systemic barriers, such as unequal access to quality K-12 education, and may include holistic factors like lived experience and community contributions. Universities shall publicly report anonymized data on admitted and rejected students, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other relevant factors, to ensure transparency in addressing disparities. Standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT, CLT) may be used only if proven to be free of cultural and economic bias, with exceptions for specialized programs like music or art.

2 – LIBERATORY DISCOURSE & TRANSFORMATIVE SPACES

Higher education must serve as a space for dismantling oppressive ideologies and amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities. Truth-seeking requires confronting dominant power structures and fostering environments where oppressed groups can speak freely without fear of retaliation from privileged groups.

Therefore, signatories commit to creating liberatory campus environments that prioritize the perspectives of marginalized communities. Universities shall assess and reform governance structures to eliminate spaces that perpetuate dominant ideologies, such as those rooted in white supremacy, patriarchy, or capitalism. This includes abolishing institutional units that suppress progressive or anti-oppressive ideas. Academic freedom policies shall protect scholarship and teaching that challenge systemic inequities, while ensuring no platform is given to rhetoric that upholds oppressive structures, such as hate speech targeting marginalized groups. Universities shall conduct public, empirical assessments of ideological diversity, prioritizing the inclusion of perspectives from historically oppressed communities across all departments. Signatories shall enforce strict policies against harassment, intimidation, or violence targeting marginalized groups, using lawful measures to prevent disruptions by those defending oppressive systems. Policies shall explicitly prohibit speech that incites harm or supports entities designated as harmful to marginalized communities by federal or international bodies.

3 – NONDISCRIMINATION AND REPARATIVE HIRING

Faculty and administrative hiring must address the historical exclusion of marginalized groups from positions of power within academia. Systemic biases in hiring have perpetuated a lack of representation among Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, as well as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.

Therefore, universities shall adopt reparative hiring practices to increase representation of historically oppressed groups in faculty, administrative, and support roles. These practices shall prioritize candidates who demonstrate a commitment to anti-oppressive scholarship and leadership. Consistent with federal employment laws, hiring decisions shall consider systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups and actively work to dismantle them. Universities shall publicly report demographic data on hires and promotions to ensure accountability in addressing inequities.

4 – INSTITUTIONAL ADVOCACY FOR JUSTICE

Universities must reject neutrality in the face of systemic oppression and actively advocate for justice. Institutional silence on societal and political issues perpetuates harm against marginalized communities.

Therefore, signatories shall adopt policies requiring university leadership and academic units to issue statements and take actions supporting anti-oppressive movements, such as those addressing racial justice, gender equity, and economic inequality. These policies shall apply across all university units, ensuring alignment with the mission of dismantling systemic oppression. Individual faculty, staff, and students may express personal views, provided they do not undermine the university’s commitment to justice.

5 – EQUITABLE STUDENT ASSESSMENT

Grading systems must account for the diverse circumstances of students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds who face systemic barriers to academic success. Grades should reflect mastery while acknowledging structural inequities in access to resources.
Therefore, signatories commit to equitable grading practices that consider students’ socioeconomic, cultural, and personal contexts. Grades shall not penalize students for systemic disadvantages, such as lack of access to preparatory education or technology. Universities shall publish grade distribution data, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, to identify and address disparities. Public accountability mechanisms, such as dashboards and reports, shall highlight efforts to ensure equitable student outcomes.

6 – STUDENT EQUITY AND SAFETY

Students from historically oppressed groups face disproportionate barriers and harm within higher education. Universities must prioritize their safety, belonging, and equitable treatment.
Therefore, signatories shall ensure equitable access to resources, including scholarships, programming, and facilities, for marginalized students. Policies shall protect single-sex spaces for women and gender-diverse individuals to ensure safety and fairness, defined by self-identified gender rather than biological criteria. Disciplinary standards shall be applied equitably, with explicit protections against disproportionate punishment of marginalized students. Universities shall establish clear processes to address bias-related incidents, prioritizing the needs of oppressed groups.

7 – FINANCIAL JUSTICE

The rising cost of higher education disproportionately burdens marginalized students, perpetuating cycles of economic inequity. Universities must prioritize affordability and accessibility for low-income and historically excluded students.

Therefore, signatories commit to freezing tuition rates for all students and increasing financial aid for those from low-income and marginalized backgrounds. Universities shall eliminate administrative bloat and redirect resources to support equitable access. Endowments exceeding $2 million per undergraduate student shall be used to provide free tuition for students from historically oppressed groups in all programs, not just hard sciences. Universities shall publish data on graduate earnings by demographic group to highlight and address disparities. Signatories shall also expand opportunities for military service members and veterans from marginalized communities by accepting full transfer credits from Joint Service Transcripts.

8 – GLOBAL JUSTICE AND TRANSPARENCY

Foreign funding and student visa programs must align with the goal of dismantling global systems of oppression, including imperialism and colonialism. Universities must ensure transparency to prevent exploitation by foreign entities that perpetuate harm.

Therefore, signatories shall comply with anti-money laundering, Know-Your-Customer, and foreign gift disclosure laws to prevent funding from entities that uphold oppressive systems. No more than 15% of undergraduates shall be foreign students, with priority given to those from historically oppressed nations or communities who demonstrate a commitment to global justice. Universities shall provide anti-oppression education to all foreign students, focusing on dismantling colonial and imperialist ideologies. All foreign funding shall be publicly disclosed, and no funding shall influence hiring, teaching, or admissions in ways that perpetuate oppression.

9 – EXCEPTIONS

Religious institutions may maintain preferences for religious affiliation, and single-sex institutions may maintain gender-based preferences, provided these align with anti-oppressive principles. Preferences for American citizens from marginalized communities are permitted to address historical inequities. Nothing in this compact limits exemptions under federal law for religious organizations or bona fide occupational qualifications.

10 – ENFORCEMENT

University leadership shall be held accountable for advancing equity and justice. Annually, the President, Provost, and Head of Admissions shall certify adherence to this compact. Universities shall conduct independent, anonymous polls of faculty, students, and staff to evaluate progress in dismantling oppressive systems, with results made public. The Department of Justice shall review compliance, and violations shall result in a loss of federal benefits for at least one year, with subsequent violations extending to two years. Funds received during violation periods shall be returned, and private contributions may be refunded to grantors upon request.

This rewritten compact shifts the focus from meritocracy and neutrality to equity, justice, and the dismantling of systemic oppression. It emphasizes affirmative measures to address historical and ongoing inequities, prioritizes marginalized groups, and reframes institutional responsibilities to align with an oppressor-oppressed framework. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments or additional emphasis on specific themes!