Does Northwestern’s $75m Trump deal stifle speech? Here’s why First Amendment experts are alarmed
Northwestern University’s $75m agreement with the Trump administration to restore nearly $790m in federal research funding has sparked concern among First Amendment experts. The deal imposes restrictions on admissions practices, campus protests and institutional policies, prompting warnings that government pressure may be shaping university speech. Legal scholars cited by the Higher Ed Dive point to unresolved constitutional questions and contrasting Supreme Court rulings that could influence any future challenges to the agreement.
Northwestern University’s $75m agreement with the Trump administration to restore nearly $790m in federal research funding has sparked concern among First Amendment experts. The deal imposes restrictions on admissions practices, campus protests and institutional policies, prompting warnings that government pressure may be shaping university speech. Legal scholars cited by the Higher Ed Dive point to unresolved constitutional questions and contrasting Supreme Court rulings that could influence any future challenges to the agreement.
