Brown University Reaches $50M Settlement with Trump Administration over Gender, Funding Policies

Brown University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to restore hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research funding that had been previously withheld due to concerns about antisemitism and other compliance issues. The university agreed to pay $50 million over 10 years to support workforce development programs and to implement policies aligning with federal standards, including adopting the Trump administration's definitions of "male" and "female" for athletics and housing, and restricting gender-affirming care for minors through university health services. This deal requires Brown to eliminate the use of race and ethnicity in admissions and scholarships and to provide ongoing compliance reports to federal agencies. The agreement has sparked significant backlash from current and former students who argue that it marginalizes transgender and nonbinary individuals on a campus known for inclusivity. Student leaders expressed disappointment and concern over Brown's concessions, especially regarding gender identity recognition and medical care policies, viewing them as a sacrifice made for financial reasons. Despite these concerns, the university emphasized commitments to prevent discrimination and improve campus climate, including maintaining resources to combat antisemitism.