Anna Young writes for the New York Post about the Trump administration’s investigations of two elite universities.
The Trump administration is freezing more than $1 billion in federal funds to Cornell and $790 million in funding for Northwestern University in response to civil rights investigations at both schools.
“The money was frozen in connection with several ongoing, credible, and concerning Title VI investigations,” a Trump admin official told Fox News.
The pause largely involves grants and contracts to both schools with the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education and Health and Human Services, two administration officials told the New York Times.
A spokesperson for Northwestern told The Post they haven’t received any notice from the federal government regarding a funding freeze – stating they were informed of President Trump’s supposed decision by members of the media.
“Federal funds that Northwestern receives drives innovative and life-saving research, like the recent development by Northwestern researchers of the world’s smallest pacemaker, and research fueling the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” the rep for Illinois institution said.
“This type of research is now at jeopardy. The University has fully cooperated with investigations by both the Department of Education and Congress.”
Cornell leaders also said they have not received information to confirm the more than $1 billion figure, but noted the school earlier Tuesday did receive more than 75 stop work orders from the Department of Defense tied to “research that is profoundly significant to American national defense, cybersecurity, and health.”
“We are actively seeking information from federal officials to learn more about the basis for these decisions,” Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff, Provost Kavita Bala and Provost for Medical Affairs Robert A. Harrington wrote to the school community.
“The university has worked diligently to create an environment where all individuals and viewpoints are protected and respected,” the trio added.
“We are committed to working with our federal partners to continue the contributions made by our scientists and scholars.”
