Northwestern Cuts 425 Jobs Amid $790M Funding Freeze

Northwestern University is eliminating approximately 425 staff positions, about half of which are currently vacant, in response to a $790 million federal funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration amid investigations into campus antisemitism. The freeze, initiated in April, has resulted in 98 stop-work orders and 51 grant terminations, forcing Northwestern to spend $10 million weekly to continue research operations. University President Michael Schill said these layoffs, impacting multiple schools and units, are necessary to address a major budget gap, as personnel costs make up 56% of annual expenditures. Other cost-cutting measures, such as hiring freezes and expense reductions, have proven insufficient. Administrators warn that even if federal funding is restored, staff reductions and some cuts may be permanent due to ongoing financial and academic pressures. Faculty have raised concerns over the lack of consultation and possible permanent program cuts.