Brown University Secures Federal Funding After DEI Program Reforms

University to Contribute $50 Million to Workforce Development in Landmark Deal

Brown University has finalized a significant agreement with the Trump administration, restoring federal funding that was previously frozen. This accord follows a similar arrangement with Columbia University and signals a new approach to federal oversight of university diversity initiatives.

DEI Programs Realigned for Funding Restoration

The deal stipulates that Brown will dismantle certain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. In exchange, the federal government will reinstate all frozen grants from the Department of Health and Human Services, re-establish eligibility for future funding, and conclude ongoing investigations.

Brown President Christina Paxson highlighted the agreement’s terms, stating, “We are not making any payments or fines to the federal government.” This contrasts with Columbia’s settlement, which involved substantial payments to the U.S. Treasury.

Under the terms, Brown will commit $50 million over ten years to Rhode Island workforce development organizations. This initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s focus on job training and career programs.

University Claims Agreement Codifies Existing Policies

President Paxson emphasized that much of the agreement reflects current university policies. However, she acknowledged that some aspects address priorities of the federal administration prompted by the funding freeze.

The university stated it was not previously informed of any specific violations of law that led to the funding freeze.

Broader Federal Scrutiny of Universities Continues

This agreement comes amid a wider federal review of diversity policies and campus climate issues at elite universities. Earlier this year, reports indicated that over half a billion dollars in grant money was at stake for Brown.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon characterized the deal as a move to “(reverse) the decades-long woke-capture of our nation’s higher education institutions.”

The administration reportedly views the Brown agreement as a potential model for other institutions, with Cornell University also being mentioned as nearing a similar accord.

In parallel, the Trump administration has initiated investigations into Duke University and its related entities, including the Duke Law Journal. Furthermore, legal battles with Harvard University are ongoing, although reports suggest the university may be open to a settlement exceeding $500 million.

The focus on university funding and DEI programs reflects a significant shift in federal higher education policy. For instance, in 2023, U.S. universities received approximately $39.9 billion in federal research funding, underscoring the importance of these grants for academic institutions (National Science Foundation, 2023).