Cornell University and the Government Strike a Deal

Cornell University and the Trump administration have reached a significant agreement that will restore federal research funding to the school. The deal also halts government investigations into claims of antisemitism and unfair admissions practices at Cornell.

Key Points of the Agreement

• Financial Settlement:
• Cornell will pay a $30 million fine.

• The university will invest an additional $30 million in programs to improve farming and agriculture.

• Government Investigations:
• The agreement stops investigations into racial discrimination and antisemitism at Cornell.

• The government will not control what Cornell teaches or says.

• Admissions and Discrimination Training:
• Cornell will share admissions data with the government.
• The university will provide discrimination training for its staff.
• Cornell will follow government rules on race in admissions, as long as those rules are fair.

Background and Impact

• Funding Freeze:
• In April, officials threatened to freeze over $1 billion in research funding for Cornell.

• By last month, Cornell's president, Michael Kotlikoff, reported that the school had lost nearly $250 million in research funds.

• Impact on Research:
• The funding freezes had hurt research and careers at Cornell.
• The new agreement is expected to resolve the funding issues.

Broader Context

• Trump Administration's Efforts:

• The deal is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to pressure universities, especially Ivy League schools.

• Protests and Funding Cuts:
• Investigations into Cornell started after protests on campus about the Israel-Hamas war and demands for the university to stop investing in certain companies.
• The funding cuts have put significant financial strain on Cornell, which has an endowment of nearly $12 billion.
• The school has warned that it might have to lay off staff and cut programs due to the financial pressure.