Brown University Cuts 48 Jobs, 55 Vacant Roles Amid $30M Budget Deficit Linked to Federal Funding Loss

Brown University announced layoffs of 48 employees and the elimination of 55 vacant positions as part of efforts to address a $30 million budget deficit partly caused by federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. This financial strain followed a Title VI investigation and a settlement that required Brown to cease race-based admissions policies, ban men from women's sports, and contribute $50 million to state workforce initiatives. The layoffs were also linked to pressure from a student-led exposé highlighting administrative bloat, which argued that many administrative positions were unnecessary and contributed to inflated tuition costs. Brown officials stated that the cuts would cover half of the budget shortfall, with further discretionary cuts planned. Despite these measures, faculty and staff retained are expected to receive compensation increases. The developments underscore ongoing tensions around university spending, federal oversight, and campus policies related to admissions and antisemitism complaints.