Inside Cornell’s Game-Changing $60 Million Settlement with Trump Administration

Updated: November 09, 2025 10:27

Image Source : Business Standard

Cornell University has agreed to a $60 million settlement with the Trump administration to end ongoing civil rights investigations and reinstate over $250 million in federal research funding. The deal involves a $30 million payment to the government and another $30 million dedicated to agricultural research benefiting U.S. farmers.

Cornell University announced a landmark agreement with the Trump administration, resolving months-long federal inquiries concerning alleged civil rights violations. The deal enables the Ivy League institution to regain substantial research funding previously withheld, critical for its scientific and academic programs.

As per the arrangement, Cornell will remit $30 million directly to the federal government over the next three years. Additionally, the university committed $30 million towards research initiatives focused on improving agricultural productivity and lowering costs for American farmers, reflecting a strategic alignment with national priorities.

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff emphasized that the agreement safeguards the university’s academic freedom, institutional independence, and autonomy, which have been foundational since its establishment. The six-page agreement follows similar contracts recently signed by other prestigious universities such as Columbia, Brown, and the University of Virginia.

The deal mandates Cornell’s compliance with the government’s interpretations of civil rights laws involving antisemitism, racial discrimination, and transgender issues. Faculty and staff will undergo training using a Justice Department memo requiring a rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and policies supportive of transgender rights.

Key Highlights:

Cornell agrees to pay $60 million: $30 million to the federal government and $30 million for farm-related research.

Restoration of more than $250 million in frozen federal research funds.

Agreement protects Cornell's principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Compliance required with government’s civil rights law interpretations concerning antisemitism, racial bias, and transgender issues.

Faculty and staff training based on Justice Department directives to abandon DEI and transgender-friendly policies.

Part of a wider initiative involving similar deals with Ivy League universities.

The deal lasts until the end of 2028 with quarterly certification of compliance by Cornell’s president.

Sources: CNBC, Washington Post, PBS, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Associated Press, Fox News