University president resigns amid fallout from anti-Israel protest, battles with Trump

Northwestern University president Michael Schill announced his resignation on Thursday after a several-years-long battle with both the Biden and Trump administrations over the university’s handling of antisemitism.

Schill recalled “serious and often painful challenges” the university faced under his leadership and mentioned ongoing tensions with the federal government in his resignation announcement, ultimately citing consultations with Northwestern’s Board of Trustees as the push behind his decision. Northwestern was investigated by the Biden administration and punished by the Trump administration to the tune of $790 million for its response to antisemitism.

“Over the past three years, it has been my profound honor to serve as President of Northwestern University,” Schill wrote in his announcement to the university community. “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.”

A Northwestern spokesman referred the Daily Caller News Foundation to Schill’s public statement.

Schill was a major contributor to the university’s decision to strike a deal with anti-Israel protesters in 2024, reportedly appointing two “radical anti-Israel” professors to oversee negotiations. Private messages exposed several administrators saying they were “inspired” by the demonstrators and hoped to grant them “amazing wins.”

“At the same time, from the very beginning of my tenure, Northwestern faced serious and often painful challenges,” Schill continued in his message. “I also recognize that difficult problems remain, particularly at the federal level. It is critical that we continue to protect the University’s research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence.”

The university’s agreement with protesters included a review of its foreign investments, a commitment to hosting Palestinian faculty and students at the university’s expense, and a promise to create new housing for Muslim and Middle Eastern students.

In a May 2024 testimony in front of Congress, Schill admitted none of the protesters had been suspended or expelled at the time.

Schill said he will remain at the university to teach and research within Northwestern’s law school.

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