Cornell University has reached a $60 million agreement with the Trump administration to restore federal research funding that was suspended over allegations of civil rights violations, ending months of negotiations and investigations. The deal, announced on Friday, November 7, 2025, comes after the administration froze more than $250 million in federal funds to Cornell in April, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices that allegedly violated civil rights laws.
Under the terms of the settlement, Cornell will pay $30 million to support U.S. agriculture research and an additional $30 million to the federal government to resolve pending claims. The payments will be made over three years, and in return, the university’s funding is immediately restored, allowing research projects to resume. This financial arrangement aims to address the administration’s allegations while ensuring the continuity of critical academic work.
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff emphasized that the university did not admit to any wrongdoing and that the agreement preserves Cornell’s autonomy in setting policies, admissions, and curricula without government interference. He stated that the discussions were conducted in good faith, enabling the school to return to its education and research practices. The university’s leadership highlighted that the deal explicitly recognizes its right to independently manage campus operations.
This settlement is part of a broader pattern, as the Trump administration has reached similar deals with other Ivy League institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, and Brown, targeting DEI programs across higher education. These agreements often involve financial payments and commitments to change or report on certain practices, reflecting a coordinated effort to reshape university policies on civil rights and inclusion.
The funding freeze had disrupted research projects and academic work at Cornell, affecting faculty and students across all campuses. The restoration of funds is expected to alleviate these challenges and allow the university to continue its educational mission without further interruptions. Many researchers had faced delays and uncertainties, impacting scientific progress and student learning experiences.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon praised the agreement on social media, calling it a “transformative commitment” that advances the administration’s goal of ending DEI policies and restoring merit-based standards in American universities. She described the reforms as a win for excellence in higher education, aligning with broader governmental efforts to overhaul educational practices.
The outcome may influence how other universities approach DEI programs under federal scrutiny, potentially leading to more settlements or policy changes in the education sector. It highlights the ongoing tension between government oversight and institutional autonomy in academia, with implications for how colleges balance compliance with academic freedom.
Moving forward, Cornell will regularly certify compliance with the agreement, provide anonymized admissions data, and continue conducting campus climate surveys and foreign gift reporting. This ensures ongoing adherence to the terms and maintains the partnership with the federal government, setting a precedent for future interactions between universities and federal authorities.
