The fight between the U.S. President Donald Trump and several major universities may come to an end as various settlement negotiations are being brought up. Trump has been using federal funds as leverage to pressure these institutes.
He targeted several universities whose staff or students participate or support in the protest against Israel in the war in Gaza, his climate initiatives, transgender policies and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Brown University, an institute that lost its funding for federally sponsored medical and health sciences research, now stated that it will pay $50 million over the next decades to support workforce development in Rhode Island in exchange for the fund restoration.
The university also agreed to support Jewish community and conduct research and education about Israel and Judaic. The external party, chosen by the university and the government, will also conduct surveys to evaluate the campus climate.
Meanwhile, Harvard University is negotiating with the administration. Previously, the institute sued Trump for withdrawing $2.5 billion funds after accusing Harvard of promoting antisemitism and diversity policies. Now, the institute is willing to pay $500 million for a settlement.
Last week, Columbia University also agreed to pay $221 million to end federal probes and restore its federal fund that Trump canceled in March. This decision left several students in disappointment as they called the settlement a bribe.
