The federal government has taken a decisive step by halting over $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University.
Both institutions are currently under scrutiny by the Department of Education for potential breaches of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This investigation aims to ensure the protection of Jewish students on campus, guaranteeing their uninterrupted access to facilities and educational opportunities.
The New York Times initially reported this development, highlighting that the funding in question originates from grants provided by the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, and Health and Human Services.
According to Breitbart, Cornell University addressed the situation in a statement, acknowledging "media reports suggesting that more than $1 billion in federal grants have been frozen." The university noted, "While we have not received information that would confirm this figure, earlier today Cornell received more than 75 stop work orders from the Department of Defense related to research that is profoundly significant to American national defense, cybersecurity, and health."
The statement further elaborated on the potential impact of the funding freeze, which affects research into critical areas such as jet engine materials, propulsion systems, large-scale information networks, robotics, superconductors, and space and satellite communications, as well as cancer research. These projects are described as vital to national defense, economic competitiveness, and public health.
Northwestern University, in a similar vein, released a statement indicating that it learned of the funding freeze through media channels. The university stated, "The University has not received any official notification from the federal government." It emphasized its commitment to working closely with its Board, deans, and administration to evaluate the repercussions of these actions. The statement assured, "We will continue to keep both affected individuals and the broader community informed as the implications of these actions become clearer."
The decision to freeze funding has sparked political reactions. Representative Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat from Illinois, expressed her opposition on social media, stating, "Trumps reported decision to freeze funding at Northwestern University will put life-saving cures and critical research at risk." She argued that the freeze would not protect Jewish students as intended but would instead hinder their academic pursuits.
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