The president of Northwestern University has resigned amid a nearly $800 million funding war with President Donald Trump and the White House.
Michael Schill announced his decision to step down Thursday after serving as university president for three years.
He admitted it was ‘time for new leadership to guide Northwestern’ after facing months of scrutiny from the GOP.
The Trump administration slashed $790 million from university’s federal research funds in April this year, citing ‘several ongoing credible and concerning Title IV investigations’.
Northwestern in July took the ‘drastic step’ of eliminating roughly 425 positions, close to have of which had reportedly been vacant.
Officials admitted at the time that reducing the university’s workforce was the result of a budgetary gap and the ‘most painful measure we have had to take’.
Schill also appeared before Congress last year over claims the school was not protecting its Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitic attacks when activists were protesting Israel’s war on Gaza.
Northwestern University President Michael Schill has resigned amid an $800 billion funding war with President Donald Trump and the White House
‘Over the past three years, it has been my profound honor to serve as president of Northwestern University,’ Schill said.
‘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.’
‘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,’
He added: ‘Therefore, I have decided, in consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, that I will step down as President.’
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
