Cornell, Northwestern Face $1.7 Billion Federal Funding Freeze Amid Civil Rights Investigations

The Trump administration has frozen over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University amid civil rights investigations concerning allegations of racism and antisemitism linked to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. This funding pause, confirmed by the White House, is part of a broader strategy to influence academic institutions' compliance with the administration's political agenda. Cornell officials stated they have not received official confirmation of the funding freeze but noted receiving over 75 stop work orders from the Department of Defense affecting crucial research. The universities are under scrutiny following a surge of anti-Israel protests and subsequent investigations by the Department of Education regarding their handling of antisemitism. Education Secretary Linda McMahon asserted that taxpayer support is a privilege that can be revoked for non-compliance with civil rights law. Both universities emphasize the potential impact of these funding cuts on critical research and innovation.