“Federal Funding Paused Amid Civil Rights Investigations at Cornell and Northwestern”
The Trump administration has paused more than $1 billion in federal funding to Cornell University and approximately $790 million to Northwestern University in connection with ongoing civil rights investigations related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, according to administration officials. The funding freeze primarily affects grants and contracts from the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, and Health and Human Services.
A Trump administration spokesperson stated that the decision was based on “credible and concerning” investigations into potential violations of federal civil rights laws. Both universities are among more than 60 institutions recently flagged by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights over allegations of antisemitic harassment and discrimination on campus.
Northwestern University indicated it had not received formal notice of the funding freeze and was informed through media reports. A university representative emphasized that federal support is critical to life-saving research, including recent advances in medical technology and treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The institution stated it has fully cooperated with federal inquiries.
Cornell University reported receiving over 75 “stop work” orders from the Department of Defense, affecting research in areas such as national defense, cybersecurity, and public health. University leadership said they are actively seeking clarification from federal agencies and affirmed their commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful academic environment.
This funding pause follows similar actions by the administration, including the suspension of federal grants to other universities over concerns of campus antisemitism. President Trump previously signed an executive order directing federal agencies to enforce Title VI provisions more strictly on college campuses, particularly in response to antisemitic incidents.
Both Cornell and Northwestern have reiterated their cooperation with federal investigations and expressed concern about the potential impact of halted research projects on national priorities and innovation.
Source article origiginally posted here: https://nypost.com/2025/04/08/us-news/trump-admin-freezes-1b-in-federal-funding-to-cornell/