People walk through the Cornell University campus on Nov. 3, 2023 in Ithaca, New York.
Matt Burkhartt | Getty Images
Cornell Universityhas agreed to pay$60 millionand accept theTrumpadministration’s interpretation of civil rights laws in order to restorefederal fundingand end investigations into theIvy Leagueschool.
Cornell PresidentMichael Kotlikoffannounced the agreement on Friday, saying it upholds the university’s academic freedom while restoring more than$250 millionin research funding that the government withheld amid investigations into alleged civil rights violations.
The university agreed to pay$30 milliondirectly to theU.S.government along with another$30 milliontoward research that will supportU.S.farmers.
Kotlikoff said the agreement revives the campus’ partnership with the federal government “while affirming the university’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom, independence, and institutional autonomy that, from our founding, have been integral to our excellence.”
The six-page agreement is similar to one signed by theUniversity of Virginialast month. It’s shorter and less prescriptive than others signed byColumbia UniversityandBrown University.
It requires Cornell to comply with the government’s interpretation of civil rights laws on issues involving antisemitism, racial discrimination and transgender issues. AJustice Departmentmemo that orders colleges to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion programs and transgender-friendly policies will be used as a training resource for faculty and staff at Cornell.
The campus must also provide a wealth of admissions data that the government has separately sought from campuses to ensure race is no longer being considered as a factor in admissions decisions. PresidentDonaldTrumphas suggested some campuses are ignoring a 2023 Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action in admissions.
Education SecretaryLinda McMahoncalled it a “transformative commitment” that puts a focus on “merit, rigor, and truth-seeking.”
“These reforms are a huge win in the fight to restore excellence to American higher education and make our schools the greatest in the world,” McMahon said on X.
Cornell’s president must personally certify compliance with the agreement each quarter. The deal is effective through the end of 2028.
It appears to split the difference on a contentious issue colleges have grappled with as they negotiate an exit from federal scrutiny: payments made directly to the government. Columbia agreed to pay$200 milliondirectly to the government, whileBrown Universityreached an agreement to pay$50 millionto state workforce organizations. Virginia’s deal included no payment at all.
About The Author
