Ivy League Institution Reaches Landmark Agreement to Resolve Federal Dispute
In a significant development, Cornell University has finalised a $60 million agreement with the Trump administration, accepting its interpretation of civil rights laws. This move effectively ends federal investigations and paves the way for the reinstatement of more than $250 million in crucial research funding that was previously withheld.
Details of the $60 Million Settlement
The agreement, announced by Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff on Friday, November 7, 2025, involves a substantial financial commitment from the university. Cornell will pay $30 million directly to the U.S. government. A further $30 million will be allocated to research projects specifically designed to support American farmers, blending the resolution with a tangible agricultural initiative.
Restoring a Critical Funding Partnership
The primary outcome of this deal is the restoration of a vital financial pipeline. The U.S. government had suspended over $250 million in federal research funding for the Ivy League school amid probes into alleged civil rights violations. President Kotlikoff emphasised that this agreement revives the university's partnership with the government while simultaneously upholding its core principles. In a public statement, he affirmed the settlement "affirms the university’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom, independence, and institutional autonomy that, from our founding, have been integral to our excellence."
This resolution allows Cornell to move forward, securing the financial resources necessary for its extensive research programs without admitting to the alleged violations, thus balancing compliance with institutional integrity.
