Cornell University has agreed to pay $60 million to settle federal investigations related to alleged civil rights violations and to restore its federal research funding.
The deal ends a government hold on over $250 million in grants and includes $30 million paid directly to the U.S. government, with another $30 million dedicated to agricultural research.
President Michael Kotlikoff said the agreement “revives the campus’ partnership with the federal government while affirming the university’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom, independence, and institutional autonomy.”
The settlement requires Cornell to comply with the government’s civil rights interpretations on antisemitism, racial discrimination, and transgender issues. Training for faculty and staff will incorporate a Justice Department memo directing colleges to discontinue diversity and transgender-affirming policies.
Cornell must also provide extensive admissions data to ensure compliance with the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in admissions. President Donald Trump has criticised some universities for ignoring this decision.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the deal a “transformative commitment” focused on “merit, rigor, and truth-seeking,” calling it a victory for American higher education.
The agreement, effective through 2028, requires quarterly compliance certification from the university president.