Brown University announced a significant settlement with President Donald Trump’s administration this Wednesday, which will see the restoration of $510 million in previously frozen federal grants. The university faced allegations of mistreating Jewish students and discriminatory practices in its admissions process, leading to the freezing of these funds.

The comprehensive settlement, detailed on Brown's official website, includes a series of agreements aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the federal government. Notably, the university will adopt definitions of “male” and “female” as per President Trump’s executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” These definitions will apply across various university facilities including athletic teams, dormitories, and bathrooms.

In addition to these changes, Brown has agreed to contribute $50 million over the next three years to workforce development initiatives in Rhode Island and to intensify its research and actions to combat antisemitism on campus.

Christina H. Paxson, President of Brown University, emphasized that the agreement aligns with the government’s requests without undermining the university’s academic independence. She reassured the university community through a letter, stating, “At its core, the agreement preserves the integrity of Brown’s academic foundation, allowing us to move forward after a period of considerable uncertainty. This ensures that Brown will continue to uphold the values our community cherishes.”

This settlement also concludes three ongoing investigations into the university, with findings of no wrongdoing. It follows a pattern of similar agreements between the Trump administration and other Ivy League institutions, addressing concerns over liberal extremism and antisemitism within these educational entities. A recent agreement with Columbia University, which also involved substantial financial dealings and policy revisions, has been touted as a blueprint for other universities navigating similar negotiations.

The Brown University settlement not only resolves immediate financial and legal challenges but also sets a precedent for how academic institutions might accommodate federal policy changes while striving to maintain their foundational principles and cultural integrity. The resolution marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between educational institutions and government bodies regarding diversity, inclusion, and academic freedom.