Case: Brown University Title VI Resolution Agreement

On July 30, 2025, Brown University and the federal government reached a voluntary agreement to resolve a months-long federal funding freeze and multiple compliance investigations.

The freeze, which began in April, was part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting several Ivy League institutions. The planned freeze of $510 million in federal funding reportedly stemmed from the administration’s concerns about Brown’s handling of alleged antisemitism on campus and its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The government’s actions followed a wave of pro-Palestine protests at Brown, including sit-ins, a hunger strike, and a week-long encampment on the university’s main green.

Although the administration never issued a formal explanation for the freeze, internal communications and media reports indicated that funding was suspended pending a review of the university’s compliance with federal non-discrimination laws. A White House official reportedly described the earlier settlement with Columbia University as a “road map” for similar agreements, suggesting a coordinated effort. Initially, Brown officials stated they had “no information to substantiate” reports of a freeze, but they later confirmed that the government had stopped reimbursing expenses on active National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, which accounted for over 70% of the university’s federal research funding. Because the freeze was not tied to any specific grant or contract and came without formal justification, some observers viewed it as an effort to compel compliance with extralegal demands and exert pressure on Brown’s academic independence.

The freeze caused significant disruption to Brown’s research operations and financial stability. Unreimbursed costs exceeded $50 million and were increasing by approximately $3.5 million per week. In addition to suspended reimbursements, eight federal contracts and more than 30 grants were terminated, some of which were related to studies on gender, sexuality, race, and equity. To address the financial strain, Brown took out a $300 million term loan and instituted a freeze on staff salaries and hiring, as well as cuts to capital spending. In its efforts to protect its funding, Brown also joined a federal lawsuit challenging cuts to Department of Energy grant funding.

Under the July 30 agreement, federal funding for Brown’s medical and health sciences research was restored, and payments on active grants resumed. The government committed to reimbursing the more than $50 million in unpaid costs within 30 days and pledged to “fairly consider all applications for federal funding” from the university in the future. The agreement also permanently closed three compliance reviews examining Brown’s adherence to federal non-discrimination requirements, including Title VI investigations by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, and a review by the Department of Justice. The agreement explicitly stated that there was no finding or admission of wrongdoing, and Brown denied any violation of federal law. A key provision affirmed that the federal government does not have authority over the university’s curriculum or academic content. 

The resolution also included additional commitments by Brown. The university agreed to contribute $50 million over 10 years to workforce development organizations in Rhode Island, consistent with its public service mission. The agreement addressed Title IX compliance, including policies on sex-based designations in athletics and on-campus housing, in line with NCAA requirements and existing university practices. Brown also agreed not to perform gender reassignment surgery or prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to minors for gender alignment, instead referring affected students to external specialists.

Additionally, Brown codified its commitment to fostering a thriving Jewish community by continuing specific initiatives and engaging an external firm to conduct a campus climate survey. The university also reinforced prohibitions against discrimination in admissions and diversity programs and agreed to provide anonymized demographic data to the government to demonstrate legal compliance.