• Northwestern University President Michael Schill resigns after nearly three years.
• His resignation is linked to $800 million in federal funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration.
• The funding freeze was influenced by allegations of inadequate action against antisemitic behavior on campus.
• Schill's departure comes amid growing political scrutiny and campus unrest.
• The university aims to recover funding while ensuring academic integrity under new leadership.

Michael Schill, President of Northwestern University, announced his resignation as the university grapples with severe funding challenges resulting from federal cuts enacted during the Trump administration. Schill emphasized that it was the "right time" for new leadership to steer the institution through its ongoing difficulties, stating, "Difficult problems remain, particularly at the federal level" and stressing the importance of protecting the university’s research mission and academic integrity, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.

The funding crisis began in April 2024, when the Trump administration froze nearly $800 million in research funding to Northwestern, accusing the university of failing to adequately address antisemitism during protests against the Gaza war. This major funding freeze led to significant operational disruptions, prompting the university to lay off hundreds of employees to cope with budget shortfalls, as highlighted by India Times and Al Jazeera.

Schill’s tenure was marked by various pressures, including a scandal involving the university's athletic department that raised questions about oversight and reputation. In light of pressures surrounding campus activism and funding cuts, Schill previously encouraged a dialogue with student protestors, which seemed to exacerbate tensions with Republican lawmakers, according to India Times and Reuters.

The university's leadership is now faced with the urgent need to appoint an interim president and search for permanent leadership. The Board of Trustees will prioritize restoring the frozen federal funds and rebuilding trust with the university community, amidst an increasingly politicized educational environment, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.