Cornell University to Pay $60 Million to Restore Federal Funding
Cornell University has reached an agreement to pay $60 million, allowing it to restore federal research funding and conclude an investigation concerning the institution.
Michael Kotlikoff, the university’s president, shared details of the settlement on Friday. The payment consists of $30 million directed to the U.S. government and another $30 million allocated for agricultural research initiatives.
Kotlikoff expressed that this deal not only safeguards the university’s academic freedom but also ensures the reinstatement of over $250 million in research funds that had been withheld during the inquiry into claimed civil rights abuses.
“The longstanding research collaboration between Cornell and the federal government is essential for progressing our mission and helping enhance the nation’s health, welfare, and even its military strength,” he noted.
He added that the agreement revitalizes this partnership while reaffirming the university’s dedication to academic independence and institutional autonomy—principles that have been vital to its excellence since it was established.
Kotlikoff further clarified that the agreement enables Cornell to set its own policies autonomously, select its hiring practices, and determine its educational content without needing governmental approval.
The six-page document requires the university to adhere to federal civil rights laws, including those prohibiting anti-Semitism and racial discrimination. Additionally, it mandates that Cornell provide training materials to faculty and staff based on the Department of Justice’s guidelines on unlawful discrimination, while also conducting annual surveys to evaluate the campus atmosphere for students.
In a statement, Attorney General Pamela Bondi remarked that recipients of federal funds must comply with civil rights laws and avoid discriminatory policies. “This agreement is a positive step forward, illustrating the importance of collaboration between universities and this administration, and we appreciate Cornell’s efforts to reach this resolution,” she said.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration had frozen over $1 billion in federal funding to Cornell, citing potential civil rights violations.
During this time, President Trump suspended funding for all Ivy League institutions except for the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth College amid an ongoing investigation into anti-Israel protests that have taken place on these campuses since October 2023.
The university administration emphasized its commitment to actively address anti-Semitism on campuses, criticizing President Biden for not holding universities accountable for violent demonstrations.
“The suspension of funding and other actions have disrupted significant research, affected lives and careers, and posed threats to Cornell’s academic programs,” Kotlikoff said.
