Northwestern University is nearing a deal with the Trump administration that would lift the funding freeze and end a federal antisemitism probe, potentially restoring hundreds of millions in federal research dollars.

Harvard University is also moving toward a compromise with the administration to regain nearly $3 billion in suspended federal research funding after a prolonged legal battle over antisemitism, DEI initiatives, and protest policies.

Reports indicate Harvard’s agreement would be part of broader settlements that have included other elite universities, with negotiations stressing increased government oversight over campus practices and research funding.

The article frames campus debate on free speech and conservative activism, including promotional material from Campus Reform and a conservative perspective on campus culture.

The Times notes critics argue these deals grant the federal government more oversight over private universities, while the negotiations aim to resolve probes and restore funding.

Northwestern announced substantial layoffs in mid-2025, cutting about 425 positions as part of cost-cutting amid the funding freeze, which had frozen roughly $790 million in federal support.

Northwestern’s controversy, tied to Gaza war protests, has drawn Republican scrutiny in Congress and contributed to leadership changes, including the resignation of former president Michael Schill.

Administrators’ conditions reportedly require dismantling DEI programs, adopting merit-based hiring and admissions, banning protest masks, and tracking antisemitism-related disciplinary actions since Hamas’s 2023 attack.

Faculty and student opposition to a White House deal persists, with parallels drawn to settlements at Columbia and Brown; Columbia paid a $200 million fine, while Cornell agreed to a $60 million deal involving government research programs.

The funding freeze led Northwestern to use university funds to sustain essential research, with reports that up to $10 million per week was being spent to keep research going.

The freeze, instituted earlier in the year amid concerns over antisemitism and DEI/Protest policies, set off a legal clash as Harvard sought relief and funds to resume research.

Harvard sued the administration, claiming the funding freeze was unconstitutional and violated due process and First Amendment rights, while saying it has taken steps to address campus antisemitism.