In a significant resolution with the US government, Northwestern University has consented to pay $75 million to the US Treasury. This agreement, announced on Friday night, concludes a series of federal investigations and paves the way for the restoration of hundreds of millions in crucial research grants.
The Road to the Settlement
The dispute originated from the Trump administration's allegation that the prestigious university, located in Evanston, Illinois, had not done enough to combat antisemitism on its campus. This standoff led the administration to cut off a substantial $790 million in federal grants. The financial pressure contributed to layoffs at the institution and ultimately prompted the resignation of its president, Michael Schill, in September.
Under the terms of the new deal, Northwestern will disburse the $75 million fine over the next three years. A key requirement is the revocation of the 'Deering Meadow agreement', a pact signed with pro-Palestinian protesters in April 2024 that led to the dismantling of a tent encampment. Interim university president Henry Bienen emphasised that the university successfully resisted ceding control over core academic functions. "I would not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case," Bienen stated, confirming the university's autonomy over hiring, admissions, and curriculum remained intact.
Policy Changes and National Implications
The agreement mandates several policy shifts designed to foster a safer and more inclusive campus environment. Northwestern must continue compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and develop training to 'socialise international students' with the norms of a campus dedicated to open debate. Furthermore, the university must uphold its commitment to Title IX by providing safe and fair opportunities for women, including single-sex housing and all-female sports facilities.
US Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, praised the settlement, describing the reforms as "bold leadership" that creates a "roadmap for institutional leaders around the country." This case is part of a broader pattern where the Trump administration has leveraged control of federal research money to push for reforms at elite colleges it has criticised for being overrun by 'woke' ideology.
A Broader Trend in US Higher Education
Northwestern's $75 million fine is the second-largest of its kind, trailing behind Columbia University, which agreed to a $200 million payment in July. Other institutions, including Brown and Cornell, have also reached agreements with the government to restore funding following similar antisemitism investigations.
However, the administration's primary target, Harvard University, remains locked in negotiations. The Ivy League school sued over the funding cuts and won a court victory in September when a federal judge ordered the government to restore its funding, accusing the administration of using "antisemitism as a smokescreen." This fall, the White House shifted tactics, offering preferential treatment for federal funds to universities that adopt policies aligning with its agenda, a move that has been met with initial rejections from several institutions concerned about academic freedom.
