Cornell University agreed to pay $60 million to the U.S. government to restore federal funding and end investigations into civil rights violations. This matters as it reinstates over $250 million in research funding and impacts admissions policies.

Cornell University has agreed to a $60 million settlement with the Trump administration to restore federal funding and conclude investigations into alleged civil rights violations. The agreement, announced by Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff, involves a direct payment of $30 million to the U.S. government and an additional $30 million allocated for research benefiting U.S. farmers. This deal is crucial as it reinstates over $250 million in research funding that had been withheld due to the investigations. The agreement requires Cornell to adhere to the government's interpretation of civil rights laws, particularly concerning antisemitism, racial discrimination, and transgender issues, and mandates the university to provide extensive admissions data to ensure compliance with a Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. The deal is effective until the end of 2028 and reflects a broader trend among universities navigating federal scrutiny regarding diversity and inclusion policies.