Brown University Strikes $50M Deal with Trump Administration to Restore Federal Funding

Brown University, the prestigious Ivy League institution based in Providence, Rhode Island, has reached a landmark $50 million agreement with the Trump administration to restore $500 million in federal research funding. The settlement, announced on July 31, 2025, comes amidst a broader crackdown by the administration on higher education institutions accused of promoting antisemitism, fostering “woke” ideologies, and failing to adhere to specific federal compliance standards. This deal not only resolves federal investigations but also requires Brown to implement significant policy changes.

The Background of the Federal Funding Freeze

The federal funding freeze against Brown University began in April 2025, when the U.S. Department of Education accused the institution of fostering a campus climate that allowed antisemitism to proliferate. This action was part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to address alleged discrimination at various Ivy League universities. Similar measures were taken against Columbia University, which recently agreed to a $221 million settlement, and Harvard University, which is reportedly negotiating a deal that could cost up to $500 million.

At the heart of the controversy were pro-Palestinian protests on campuses during the Israel-Gaza conflict, which the administration argued crossed the line into antisemitic behavior. Critics, however, contend that these measures are a veiled attempt to suppress free speech and stifle dissent. According to Merit Street Media, Brown faced allegations of antisemitism linked to its handling of student activism, prompting the administration to block the university’s access to $510 million in research grants.

Terms of the $50 Million Settlement

Under the terms of the settlement, Brown University will pay $50 million over the next decade to Rhode Island workforce development organizations that comply with anti-discrimination laws. This financial commitment is aimed at supporting local economic growth while simultaneously addressing federal concerns about institutional practices. In addition to the monetary settlement, Brown has agreed to implement a series of measures to improve the campus climate for Jewish students and combat antisemitism.

These measures include conducting a comprehensive campus climate survey, renewing partnerships with Israeli academics, and encouraging Jewish day school students to apply to Brown. The university will also enhance its Judaic Studies program and promote research and education about Israel. However, the deal notably does not include equivalent provisions for Arab and Muslim students, a point that has drawn criticism from rights advocates who highlight rising Islamophobia alongside antisemitism.

In a letter to the Brown community, university president Christina H. Paxson emphasized that the agreement does not infringe upon academic freedom. “We stand solidly behind commitments we repeatedly have affirmed to protect all members of our community from harassment and discrimination,” she wrote. Paxson also addressed concerns about government overreach, stating that the deal explicitly prohibits federal authorities from dictating the university’s curriculum or academic speech.

Broader Implications and Controversy

Beyond the measures addressing antisemitism, the settlement includes contentious provisions related to gender and diversity policies. Brown has agreed to adopt “biology-based definitions” for male and female, cease offering gender reassignment surgeries to minors, and stop prescribing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones. Additionally, the university will eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) targets in its programs, a move that aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push against what it terms “woke” ideologies.

President Donald Trump celebrated the agreement on his Truth Social platform, declaring, “Woke is officially DEAD at Brown. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” This statement underscores the administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape the policies of higher education institutions, particularly those perceived as liberal strongholds.

However, the settlement has been met with mixed reactions. Rabbi Josh Bolton, executive director of Brown RISD Hillel, praised the agreement, calling Brown “one of the great campuses for Jewish life anywhere in the U.S.” Yet, an open letter from dozens of rabbis and cantors who are Brown alumni criticized the administration’s actions as a “weaponization of antisemitism” that could exacerbate resentment toward the Jewish community. According to JTA, these alumni argued that the administration’s approach risks undermining the very institutions it claims to protect.

Looking Ahead

The Brown University settlement represents a critical moment in the ongoing debate over the role of government in higher education. While the agreement resolves immediate federal investigations and restores vital research funding, it raises broader questions about academic freedom, free speech, and the balance between federal oversight and institutional autonomy. As other universities, including Harvard, negotiate similar agreements, the implications of these settlements will likely reverberate across the academic landscape for years to come.

Ultimately, the $50 million deal signifies both a resolution and a new chapter for Brown University, as it navigates the challenges of maintaining its academic mission while meeting the demands of federal compliance.