Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Oct. 19, 2025

This is a transcript of an episode of the American news program "Face the Nation." The topic of discussion was the Trump administration's proposal to reward universities that commit to certain conservative policies, including limiting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Three professors from the University of Virginia, University of Arizona, and University of Southern California were interviewed about their perspectives on this issue.

The interviewers posed several questions to the professors, including:

* How do you think the compact will impact your university's admissions process?
* Will cutting out international students hurt or help USC's financial situation?
* How does the compact's language addressing "preferential treatment" based on identity affect recruiting students at USC?

The professors provided their opinions and insights, with some expressing concerns that the compact would limit diversity and inclusion initiatives, while others argued that they would not have a significant impact.

No word was yet available from the University of Arizona regarding its rejection of the compact.

The interview concluded with a statement from Secretary Hagel saying "The American people are going to know a lot less about what their Department of War is doing."

I'm low-key worried about this whole compact thing... like, I get that universities have their own interests, but does it really have to come at the cost of inclusivity and diversity? It's not just about numbers, you know? Students from all over the world bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. And what's with "preferential treatment" based on identity? Sounds like a recipe for tension, not progress

I'm also kinda curious how this will play out in terms of financial aid... if USC is relying on international students to make up for something, it feels like they're putting all their eggs in one basket And what about the universities that are already doing great work in diversity and inclusion? Will we just be losing out on good vibes because some other school gets a free pass?

I gotta say, I'm kinda surprised by how much backlash Trump's gonna face over this compact thingy... I mean, come on, it's not like he's proposing to take away funding from universities or anything . And those professors seem pretty reasonable too, talking about diversity and inclusion like it's just a normal part of the university experience. It's almost like they're saying, "Hey, let's have some open dialogue about this stuff." I'm not saying I agree with everything Trump does, but you gotta admit, it's a bit harsh to say the DoD is being super secretive... that just sounds like politics as usual . Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out

omg can you believe this? so like universities have to choose between getting a free pass on all these "conservative" policies or just chill with the rest of us . i mean, who needs diversity and inclusion initiatives anyway? i'm sure it's not like students would learn anything about the world or its complexities.

and what even is this "compact" thing? sounds like something out of a bad joke . does anyone know how they came up with that word? did they just throw some papers together and say "you know what, let's call it a compact"?

anyway, i'm kinda surprised USC didn't just reject the whole thing on principle already... guess they're just trying to keep their doors open for all those international students . who knows how this is gonna play out? probably some drama and controversy

Ugh, I'm so worried about this proposal ... Universities should be about more than just politics - they're supposed to be about learning and growth! Limiting diversity and inclusion initiatives? That's not exactly the kind of environment I want my kids growing up in . And what's with the "preferential treatment" thing? It sounds like a bunch of bureaucratic nonsense . As a student, I want to be judged on my own merits, not because of my background or identity . The whole idea just feels like an attack on the very principles that universities are supposed to uphold . And honestly, I'm not even sure what the point of this compact is - just to line some politicians' pockets with cash?

I'm actually kinda surprised that no one's talking about how ridiculous it is that we're even having this conversation. Like, shouldn't we be focusing on actual issues like climate change and student loan debt instead of policing people's diversity initiatives? The idea that universities would voluntarily limit diversity and inclusion because they want a "compact" with the government just feels like a power play to me... What's next, are we gonna start giving out degrees in 'optimal' ideological alignment too?

I don't get why they're proposing this compact , like, can't we just focus on education for all, not picking and choosing who gets in? It's so extra, you feel? Universities should be about fostering a community of minds, not limiting diversity to fit some specific agenda #NotMyUniversity #InclusionMatters

I'm also low-key concerned about the impact on international students . Like, wouldn't it affect their ability to study abroad or participate in global programs? It's not just about money for them, it's about gaining a new perspective and being part of the world community #InternationalStudentRights #GlobalCitizenship

But hey, I'm no expert . What do you guys think about this proposal? Should universities be forced to conform to certain standards or should they be left to make their own decisions? Let's discuss!

this proposal by the trump admin is super fishy ... i mean, who wants to limit diversity and inclusion initiatives in universities? that's like taking away the very thing that makes them great . as for the compact, it sounds like a big ol' handout to some conservative schools... meanwhile, other universities have to worry about cutting out international students just to stay competitive? that doesn't sit right with me .

and what's up with this "preferential treatment" language? that's just code for discriminatory policies . i'm all for merit-based admissions and stuff, but not at the expense of diversity and inclusivity. universities are supposed to be places where people can come together and learn from each other, not separate themselves.

anyway, this whole thing just feels like a power play by the trump admin ... they're trying to manipulate schools into doing their bidding without anyone really knowing what's going on . it's like, hello? transparency is key in government, especially when it comes to something as big as education policy .

I'm all about this: Universities should be a safe space for everyone, no matter where they're from . This compact thingy sounds like it's gonna make things worse, like, what's the point of limiting diversity initiatives? It's not like they're hurting anyone .

Imagine if you were an international student and you couldn't attend USC because of some rule . That'd be a bummer . And as for the whole "preferential treatment" thing, what even is that? Sounds like some made-up nonsense .

I think we should focus on making education more accessible to everyone, not less . We need diversity of thought and ideas, not just in classrooms but in our society too . Can't the government see this?

Here's a simple flowchart to visualize my thoughts:
```
+---------------+
| Education |
+---------------+
|
|
v
+---------------+
| Accessible |
| for all |
+---------------+
|
|
v
+---------------+
| Diversity |
| of thought |
+---------------+
```
Anyway, I'm all for promoting equality and inclusivity in our universities .

I'm so concerned about this proposal, it's like they're punishing universities that care about creating an inclusive environment on campus. What's the point of limiting diversity and inclusion initiatives? It's not like these programs are hurting anyone, but rather helping to create a more compassionate and accepting community.

I can see how some people might think it's just a matter of "like-minded" students attending school together, but what about all the amazing ideas and perspectives that come from diverse backgrounds? We need universities to be places where everyone feels welcome and valued. This compact is going to have unintended consequences, mark my words.

And what's with the language used in the compact? "Preferential treatment" based on identity? That sounds like a recipe for disaster. It's not about treating people unfairly, it's about recognizing that we're all human beings deserving of equal rights and opportunities. We need to be promoting understanding and empathy, not dividing ourselves up into separate groups.

I hope universities like USC are speaking out against this proposal. They know the value of creating a diverse and inclusive community.

just thinking about this and i'm like really worried about the implications of this proposal... universities should be all about diversity and inclusivity, it's not about who gets in or out, it's about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. limiting that would basically be counterproductive to the whole purpose of higher education

I'm super worried about this new proposal . I mean, think about it - universities that promote diversity and inclusion? That's like the opposite of what I thought we were trying to do here in America . It sounds like they're just trying to restrict who can come in and learn from each other. My sister went to USC and she loved how diverse her campus was - it really helped her grow as a person . What's wrong with giving students more options? This compact is basically saying that we need to limit ourselves to just one type of student, which doesn't make sense to me .