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Ivy League University Agrees to Pay Trump Millions

The deal will restore over $250 million in research funding to the school.

Cornell University agreed to pay the Trump administration $60 million and alter its civil rights laws to match the government’s interpretation in exchange for restoration of federal funding and an agreement to drop ongoing investigations into the school. The government will directly receive $30 million from the Ivy League institution, while an additional $30 million will go towards research supporting farmers. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said the six-page agreement will restore over $250 million in research funding that was withheld by the government as alleged civil rights violations investigations were underway. He also claimed the deal affirms “the university’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom, independence and institutional autonomy.” However, Cornell will now adhere to the Trump administration’s position on topics like transgender rights, antisemitism and racial discrimination. Faculty and staff will be trained based on a Justice Department memo that requires universities to dissolve trans-inclusive policies and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Additionally, Cornell will be required to submit admissions data to the government, proving that race is not a consideration in the admissions process. The deal will stand through 2028. Columbia University and Brown University—which paid the government $200 million and $50 million, respectively—have signed similar agreements.