Northwestern University president announces resignation following federal funding cuts by Trump administration

In a statement announcing his resignation, Schill acknowledged those challenges directly. “It is critical that we continue to protect the University’s research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence,” he said.

Federal funding cuts

Northwestern emerged as a prominent target of President Donald Trump’s campaign to reshape elite colleges he has derided as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism.

In April, the administration froze $790 million in federal funding for the school in Evanston, Illinois, which is among dozens of colleges that have been under investigation over claims they did not do enough to protect Jewish students during campus protests.

Northwestern University’s response to pro-Palestinian protests

During the wave of pro-Palestinian protests in spring 2024, Northwestern drew ire from conservatives over an agreement it struck with demonstrators to take down their encampment. In exchange, Northwestern pledged to re-establish an advisory committee on university investments and other commitments.

Schill defended the arrangement during an appearance in May 2024 before a House committee investigating campus antisemitism. “We had to get the encampment down,” Schill said. “The police solution was not going to be available to us to keep people safe, and also may not be the wisest solution as we’ve seen at other campuses across the country.”

Michael Schill will continue as president until an interim leader is chosen. (Photo: Northwestern University)

Supporters of Israel and the administration officials have framed the protests at Northwestern and other schools as antisemitic and “pro-Hamas.” But people involved in the demonstrations reject that characterization. They say advocating for Palestinian human rights and territorial claims, or criticizing Israeli military action, is not antisemitic.

Schill will continue as president until an interim leader is chosen, Northwestern said. He will also work with the Board of Trustees on efforts to restore the university’s frozen federal funding, the school said.