Northwestern to pay $75 million in settlement with Trump admin over discrimination investigation

The federal government has finalized an agreement with Northwestern University requiring the school to pay $75 million and comply with anti-discrimination laws after investigations over alleged antisemitism.

The Department of Justice, the US Department of Education, and the US Department of Health and Human Services announced the deal, which mandates that Northwestern “safeguard its students, employees, and faculty from unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin, including race-based admissions practices and a hostile educational environment directed toward Jewish students.”

Under the agreement, Northwestern will pay the $75 million to the United States through 2028. The agreement also has the university adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws and the school will ensure it does not prefer individuals based on race, color, or national origin in admissions, scholarships, hiring, or promotion. Northwestern will maintain clear policies for demonstrations and other expressive activities as well as implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty, and staff.

By agreeing to the settlement, federal agencies will close their investigations and treat Northwestern as eligible for future grants.

Northwestern had previously been under investigation by the Trump administration and had its federal funding frozen in response to antisemitism on campus. The $790 million loss in grants triggered a dispute that ultimately led to university president Michael Schill resigning in September.

“Today’s settlement marks another victory in the Trump Administration’s fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Institutions that accept federal funds are obligated to follow civil rights law — we are grateful to Northwestern for negotiating this historic deal.”

US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon added, “The Northwestern agreement is a huge win for current and future Northwestern students, alumni, faculty, and for the future of American higher education. The deal cements policy changes that ‘will protect students and other members of the campus from harassment and discrimination,’ and it recommits the school to merit-based hiring and admissions. The reforms reflect bold leadership at Northwestern, and they are a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country that will help rebuild public trust in our colleges and universities. Congrats to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and all those involved in negotiating this landmark deal!”