Brown University has signed a $50 million agreement with the Trump administration that restores previously suspended federal research funding and ends three federal investigations into the university. The deal, which includes policy changes and public commitments, addresses allegations related to antisemitism and racial bias in admissions, according to information reported by the Associated Press.
The settlement includes multiple concessions by Brown in exchange for the reinstatement of dozens of federal grants and contracts. The US government will also reimburse Brown $50 million in unpaid federal grant costs as part of the agreement.
Policy concessions and definition changes
As part of the settlement, Brown University agreed to adopt the government's definition of "male" and "female," aligning with federal expectations set by the Trump administration. Additionally, the university must remove any consideration of race in its admissions process. Although a 2023 Supreme Court ruling already prohibits race-based admissions, the agreement requires further measures that bar the use of any "proxy for racial admission," such as diversity narratives or personal statements.
The agreement also mandates that Brown disclose data on applicants and admitted students, including information on race, academic performance, and standardized test scores. This data will be subject to a comprehensive audit by the federal government.
Broader federal agenda in higher education
The Brown settlement is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to reshape the culture of higher education in the United States. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the deal reflects a renewed commitment to academic merit and nondiscriminatory practices, describing it as a step toward reversing what she called the "decades-long woke-capture" of universities.
"Because of the Trump Administration's resolution agreement with Brown University, aspiring students will be judged solely on their merits, not their race or sex," McMahon stated. She emphasized the deal's broader implications beyond admissions, citing protections for women's sports and facilities, and enforcement of Title IX "as it was intended." She added that Brown's commitments to protect Jewish students and address campus antisemitism are part of ensuring universities remain spaces "dedicated to truth-seeking, academic merit, and civil debate—where all students can learn free from discrimination and harassment."
The administration has previously referred to its $200 million settlement with Columbia University as a "roadmap" for similar agreements. While Brown's deal differs in key aspects—most notably, the absence of an external monitor—it is seen as part of a growing trend of federal scrutiny over elite institutions.
Financial terms and funding restoration
Brown's $50 million payment will be directed over a ten-year period to workforce development organizations in Rhode Island, instead of being paid directly to the federal government. In return, the university regains access to numerous suspended federal research grants and contracts.
Antisemitism-related measures on campus
To address specific allegations of antisemitism, Brown has agreed to take several actions. These include renewing partnerships with Israeli academic institutions and encouraging applications from students attending Jewish day schools. By the end of the year, the university is also required to hire an external organization—chosen jointly with the federal government—to conduct a survey assessing the campus climate for Jewish students.
No finding of wrongdoing, but investigations closed
The agreement formally closes three federal investigations into Brown, all without any admission of wrongdoing or legal violations. Brown University President Christina H. Paxson, as quoted by the Associated Press, stated that the resolution enables the university to "remain true to our academic mission, our core values and who we are as a community." She acknowledged the growing pressure from federal agencies and the financial strain as primary reasons for accepting the deal, despite no legal fault being found.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
The settlement includes multiple concessions by Brown in exchange for the reinstatement of dozens of federal grants and contracts. The US government will also reimburse Brown $50 million in unpaid federal grant costs as part of the agreement.
Policy concessions and definition changes
As part of the settlement, Brown University agreed to adopt the government's definition of "male" and "female," aligning with federal expectations set by the Trump administration. Additionally, the university must remove any consideration of race in its admissions process. Although a 2023 Supreme Court ruling already prohibits race-based admissions, the agreement requires further measures that bar the use of any "proxy for racial admission," such as diversity narratives or personal statements.
The agreement also mandates that Brown disclose data on applicants and admitted students, including information on race, academic performance, and standardized test scores. This data will be subject to a comprehensive audit by the federal government.
Broader federal agenda in higher education
The Brown settlement is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to reshape the culture of higher education in the United States. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the deal reflects a renewed commitment to academic merit and nondiscriminatory practices, describing it as a step toward reversing what she called the "decades-long woke-capture" of universities.
"Because of the Trump Administration's resolution agreement with Brown University, aspiring students will be judged solely on their merits, not their race or sex," McMahon stated. She emphasized the deal's broader implications beyond admissions, citing protections for women's sports and facilities, and enforcement of Title IX "as it was intended." She added that Brown's commitments to protect Jewish students and address campus antisemitism are part of ensuring universities remain spaces "dedicated to truth-seeking, academic merit, and civil debate—where all students can learn free from discrimination and harassment."
The administration has previously referred to its $200 million settlement with Columbia University as a "roadmap" for similar agreements. While Brown's deal differs in key aspects—most notably, the absence of an external monitor—it is seen as part of a growing trend of federal scrutiny over elite institutions.
Financial terms and funding restoration
Brown's $50 million payment will be directed over a ten-year period to workforce development organizations in Rhode Island, instead of being paid directly to the federal government. In return, the university regains access to numerous suspended federal research grants and contracts.
Antisemitism-related measures on campus
To address specific allegations of antisemitism, Brown has agreed to take several actions. These include renewing partnerships with Israeli academic institutions and encouraging applications from students attending Jewish day schools. By the end of the year, the university is also required to hire an external organization—chosen jointly with the federal government—to conduct a survey assessing the campus climate for Jewish students.
No finding of wrongdoing, but investigations closed
The agreement formally closes three federal investigations into Brown, all without any admission of wrongdoing or legal violations. Brown University President Christina H. Paxson, as quoted by the Associated Press, stated that the resolution enables the university to "remain true to our academic mission, our core values and who we are as a community." She acknowledged the growing pressure from federal agencies and the financial strain as primary reasons for accepting the deal, despite no legal fault being found.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
You may also like
Beyond policy: Citizens take lead in India's green movement
'Was asked to arrest Mohan Bhagwat, instruction came directly from top', Ex-ATS officer on Malegaon case
India Faces Minimal GDP Impact From New US Tariffs, Export Losses Capped at 0.4%
Quiet market town with castle ruins that 'everyone should visit'
Man Utd chief 'fuelling' Benjamin Sesko transfer has already gone public with reason
