Northwestern University Pays $75 Million, Revokes Deering Meadow Agreement to Restore Federal Funding
Northwestern University will pay $75 million to the Trump administration to restore federal funding, ending probes and mandating policy changes, including revoking the Deering Meadow agreement.
Overview
Northwestern University will pay $75 million to the U.S. Treasury over three years, settling with the Trump administration to restore $790 million in frozen federal research funding.
The settlement concludes federal investigations into university practices, which led to significant grant cuts, subsequent layoffs, and President Michael Schill's resignation.
As part of the agreement, Northwestern must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, develop training materials for international students, and uphold Title IX protections on campus.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the deal, mandating Northwestern implement policy changes protecting individuals from harassment and discrimination, including antisemitism training.
A key condition of the settlement requires Northwestern University to revoke the Deering Meadow agreement, signed in April 2024, as part of its commitment to policy overhauls.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources are neutral in their coverage of Northwestern University's agreement with the Trump administration. They present the facts of the settlement, including financial terms and policy changes, alongside the administration's stated reasons and broader political agenda. The reporting balances perspectives by incorporating university leadership's stance and judicial challenges to the administration's actions, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
Sources (6)
FAQ
The federal investigations were largely triggered by concerns that Northwestern had not adequately addressed antisemitism on campus, leading to the Trump administration cutting $790 million in federal research grants.
The Deering Meadow agreement, signed in April 2024, was an arrangement between Northwestern and protestors on Deering Meadow to regulate demonstrations and enhance campus safety, including the removal of tents and compliance with university policies. The settlement requires revoking this agreement as part of broader policy reforms mandated by the federal government to address concerns of harassment and discrimination, including antisemitism.
Northwestern must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, develop training materials to integrate international students, uphold Title IX protections such as providing single-sex housing and athletic facilities for women, and implement policies protecting individuals from harassment and discrimination including antisemitism training.
The halted funding led to significant layoffs and contributed to the resignation of Northwestern President Michael Schill in September 2025.
Interim president Henry Bienen asserted that Northwestern refused to cede control over hiring, admissions, or curriculum during negotiations, ensuring that the university retained autonomy in these areas despite the settlement.
History
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