Brown University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration, paving the way for the restoration of nearly $50 million in federal research funding. The settlement addresses allegations concerning the university's handling of harassment incidents targeting Jewish students, according to documents reviewed by The Boston Globe.
Under the terms of the agreement, Brown University will commit $50 million over the next decade to workforce development organizations within Rhode Island. This commitment resolves three ongoing investigations into the university's practices.
Notably, the agreement stipulates that Brown University does not have to admit any wrongdoing or make direct payments to the federal government. This contrasts sharply with a similar settlement involving Columbia University, which agreed to pay over $220 million to reinstate federal research funding that had been suspended following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Trump administration officials had previously cited the Columbia University settlement as a potential model for future agreements with other institutions.
As part of the resolution, Brown University has committed to refraining from racial discrimination in its admissions processes and university programs. The university will also provide the federal government with access to admissions data to ensure compliance with merit-based admissions standards. Unlike the Columbia settlement, the Brown University agreement does not appear to place any restrictions on the university's curriculum or academic content.
Furthermore, the agreement prohibits Brown University from performing gender-affirming surgeries on minors or prescribing puberty blockers, a treatment for gender dysphoria. While Brown University operates a medical school, it is important to note that the university has never performed gender-affirming surgeries, and Brown University Health, a separate entity, handles these types of medical procedures.
Key Takeaways from the Brown University Settlement
- $50 Million in Research Funding Restored
- $50 Million Investment in Rhode Island Workforce Development
- No Admission of Wrongdoing Required
- Commitment to Merit-Based Admissions
- Restrictions on Gender-Affirming Procedures for Minors