On November 7, 2025, President Donald J. Trump reached a significant settlement with Cornell University aimed at improving accountability and fairness within higher education institutions.
This agreement requires Cornell to adhere to federal civil rights laws and to eliminate any unlawful racial discrimination in its admissions and programming. As part of the settlement, Cornell will pay a penalty of $30 million to the federal government and invest an additional $30 million over the next three years in research programs that will support U.S. farmers.
The settlement addresses concerns raised by recent incidents at Cornell and ongoing civil rights investigations regarding alleged discrimination based on race and national origin. The Trump Administration has actively pursued similar agreements with other elite universities, promoting an environment of academic excellence while ensuring adherence to merit-based admissions practices. Additionally, Cornell will conduct annual surveys to evaluate the campus climate and ensure the safety of Jewish students, while also reinstating its eligibility for federal grants and awards.
Moreover, Cornell’s president is obligated to certify compliance with the provisions of the settlement on a quarterly basis. While the agreement resolves several issues related to admissions and program practices, it does not cover the ongoing Title VII investigations regarding discrimination in the university’s employment practices. This settlement reflects the Trump Administration’s broader efforts to reform higher education policies and practices at prestigious institutions nationwide.
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