The Trump administration has put a freeze on over $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and nearly $800 million for Northwestern University. This decision comes amid ongoing civil rights investigations into both institutions. According to U.S. officials, funding is mostly made up of grants and contracts from various departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Education, and Health and Human Services.
These actions are part of a wider trend, with about $3.3 billion in federal funds suspended or under review for elite universities within just over a month. Other affected schools include Brown, Columbia, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton.
Cornell and Northwestern are currently facing scrutiny for allegations of antisemitism and racial discrimination related to their diversity initiatives. While Cornel has not yet commented, Northwestern’s spokesman, Jon Yates, stated that the university was unaware of any funding freeze from the federal government.
Northwestern, known as a Big Ten school, is the first non-Ivy League university to fall under this federal scrutiny. The university recently issued a report detailing its efforts to combat antisemitism, including mandatory training for students and faculty. Yates emphasized that federal funding supports crucial research, such as advancements in medical technology, stating that this funding freeze could jeopardize significant projects, including groundbreaking developments in pacemaker technology and Alzheimer’s research.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 70% of Americans believe that universities should actively combat discrimination. This reflects a growing concern regarding fairness and equality across campuses. On social media, reactions to the freezes have ranged from outrage to support, highlighting the divisive nature of these investigations.
Ultimately, the future of university funding remains uncertain as investigations continue. As these developments unfold, they may reshape the landscape of higher education in America. For more on this topic, visit the Pew Research Center.
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Source linkCornell University,Northwestern University,United States Politics and Government,Colleges and Universities,Federal Aid (US),Trump, Donald J
