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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two prominent U.S. universities, Cornell and Northwestern, have confirmed that federal research funding has been frozen by the Trump administration. This development follows student-led protests on their campuses highlighting concerns over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.
The funding halt mirrors actions implemented or threatened at other institutions where students have organized demonstrations advocating for Palestinian rights. The freezes have sparked widespread concern among academic communities about potential impacts on research and academic freedom.
“Our research initiatives are crucial for innovation and progress,” a spokesperson from Cornell University stated. “We are actively engaging with federal agencies to address this pause and hope for a swift resolution.”
At Northwestern, student activists expressed disappointment over the funding freeze. “We have the right to voice our concerns about global issues,” said Jasmine Lee, a sophomore involved in the protests. “Penalizing universities for student activism sets a concerning precedent.”
Critics argue that the administration’s actions may suppress free speech on campuses. Legal experts note that while the government can set conditions on funding, using it as a response to student protests raises constitutional questions.
The Trump administration has not publicly detailed the reasons behind the funding suspensions. However, these moves add to ongoing tensions between federal authorities and educational institutions over academic independence and freedom of expression.
As debates continue, universities nationwide are watching closely. Many are advocating for open dialogue and cautioning against measures that could hinder educational advancement and scholarly research.
