Cornell University has reached a $60 million agreement with the federal government to restore funding and end investigations into the school’s compliance with civil rights laws.
University President Michael Kotlikoff announced the agreement Friday, saying it preserves academic freedom while reinstating more than $250 million in research funding that had been withheld during federal investigations.
Under the agreement, Cornell will pay $30 million directly to the U.S. government and another $30 million toward research supporting U.S. farmers. The deal also accepts the Trump administration’s interpretation of federal civil rights laws.
Kotlikoff said the agreement strengthens Cornell’s relationship with the federal government while reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic freedom, independence, and institutional autonomy—principles he says have been central to Cornell’s mission since its founding.
