Northwestern president steps down amid federal funding cuts

By Esther Wickham | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Northwestern University President Michael Schill resigned this week amid the federal funding freeze by the Trump administration.

Schill has served as the 17th president of Northwestern since 2022. Schill acknowledged the challenges the Illinois school has faced over the past few years.

“Over the past three years, it has been my profound honor to serve as president of Northwestern University,” Schill said in a statement to students and faculty. “In that time, our community has made significant progress while simultaneously facing extraordinary challenges. Together, we have made decisions that strengthened the institution and helped safeguard its future.”

In April, the Trump administration froze almost $800 million in federal funds, which forced Northwestern to cut 425 positions, after an investigation into antisemitism on the school’s campus.

This came after Schill struck a deal with pro-Palestinian protesters on campus. In exchange for limiting protests, Schill agreed to review Northwestern’s investments by establishing an advisory committee in response to students wanting to divest from Israel.

“As I reflect on the progress we have made and what lies ahead, I believe now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter,” Schill said in his message. “Therefore, I have decided, in consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, that I will step down as President.”

The former vice chair of the Democratic National Committee and graduate of Northwestern, Michael Blake, took to X to share his thoughts on Schill’s resignation.

“Northwestern Alum. Don’t be silent. Our President is resigning b/c of GOP pressure in accusing our Alma mater of being Antisemitic (which NU is not) while the Federal govt withholds funds for Black causes (Racist). Stand up for the current Cats and those who come behind us,” Blake said.

Peter Barria, board of trustees chair, sent his thanks to Schill and his leadership as president in a time of challenges across all higher education institutions.

“In spite of many headwinds, President Schill and his administration worked diligently to defend Northwestern’s mission and accomplished lasting achievements that contribute robustly to Northwestern’s continued advancement among the great universities in the United States and around the globe,” Barris said.

The White House welcomed the new Northwestern leadership in an email.

“The Trump Administration looks forward to working with the new leadership, and we hope they seize this opportunity to Make Northwestern Great Again,” spokesperson Liz Huston wrote.