In a deal with the Trump administration, Northwestern University has agreed to pay $75 million to resolve multiple federal investigations into its handling of antisemitism, a move that restores hundreds of millions in research grants. The standoff had previously led to the suspension of $790 million in funding, contributing to university layoffs and the September resignation of President Michael Schill.
Under the agreement announced Friday night, the university will make the payment to the U.S. Treasury over three years and is required to revoke the "Deering Meadow agreement." That April 2024 pact had ended a pro-Palestinian tent encampment on campus. Interim President Henry Bienen asserted that the university protected its autonomy, stating, “I would not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case” regarding control over hiring, admissions, and curriculum.
The settlement also mandates continued compliance with anti-discrimination laws, the development of training to socialize international students to campus debate norms, and upholding Title IX by providing single-sex housing and all-female sports facilities for women who request them. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon endorsed the deal, saying it "cements policy changes" that protect against harassment and serves as a "roadmap" to rebuild public trust in higher education.
This outcome is part of the administration's broader use of federal research money to push reforms at colleges it decries as overrun by “woke” ideology. Northwestern's fine is the second-largest such penalty, following Columbia University's $200 million settlement in July; Brown and Cornell have also reached agreements.
Harvard, however, remains in negotiations after having successfully sued the government to restore its funding. A federal judge in that case ordered funding restored, ruling the administration “used antisemitism as a smokescreen.” Separately, a White House initiative this fall offering preferential funding for adopting its agenda was met with rejections from several universities, which cited threats to academic freedom.
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Source: THE GUARDIAN
