Northwestern President Michael Schill to Resign After Tumultuous Three-Year Tenure

Michael Schill, president of Northwestern University, announced his resignation Thursday, ending a three-year tenure that was overshadowed by campus protests, a hazing scandal and the freezing of nearly $800 million in federal research funds by the Trump administration.

In a letter to the university community, Schill alluded to the difficulties of his term, saying he had faced "extraordinary challenges" while also pointing to "significant progress" and warning that "difficult problems remain, particularly at the federal level." He added that "it is critical that we continue to protect the University’s research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence."

The decision follows months of sustained pressure from lawmakers and public scrutiny over Northwestern's handling of anti-Israel protests last spring. In April, the federal government announced a freeze on $790 million in research grants to Northwestern, saying the action was tied to ongoing Title VI investigations into alleged harassment and discrimination on the Evanston campus. The freeze was part of broader federal scrutiny of colleges that the Trump administration and some members of Congress have said mishandled incidents of antisemitism.

The campus unrest prompted criticism from House Republicans, who pressed university leaders on their response to the demonstrations. Northwestern also confronted a separate hazing scandal that drew further attention to campus safety and Greek life practices. In the months after the funding freeze, the university announced cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of about 425 jobs in July, which the school described as "the most painful measure we have had to take."

Schill, who became Northwestern's president three years ago, stressed in his message that the university must balance protecting research activities with upholding academic freedom and institutional independence. He did not provide a timeline for his departure or name a successor in the resignation announcement. Board members and trustees are expected to coordinate a transition and to initiate a search for a new president, university officials said in separate statements.

Northwestern has emerged as a focal point in a national debate over campus speech, protest and how higher education institutions respond to politically charged demonstrations. The university was among several colleges that saw heightened federal and congressional attention this year as lawmakers sought answers about the nature and management of protests and allegations of discrimination.

The Title VI investigations that prompted the funding freeze allege incidents of harassment and discrimination that federal officials said warranted review before research funding could proceed unhindered. University leaders have disputed certain characterizations of the campus climate while acknowledging that the protests and related incidents raised challenging questions about safety, free expression and the experiences of Jewish and pro-Palestinian students.

Schill's departure comes as higher education leaders nationwide face intensified political scrutiny and calls for accountability from both federal authorities and alumni and donor groups. Northwestern's trustees will now confront the dual tasks of stabilizing the university's research operations while addressing the campus divisions that helped precipitate the federal action and political backlash.

The university has said it is cooperating with federal inquiries and undertaking internal reviews. Officials have also emphasized commitments to academic research and to resolving concerns raised by students, faculty and external stakeholders. As the search for a new president proceeds, oversight of frozen research funds and the outcome of federal investigations are likely to shape Northwestern's immediate institutional priorities and its relationships with federal funders and lawmakers.

Schill's resignation marks the latest in a series of leadership changes at prominent universities navigating political pressure, campus unrest and questions about institutional governance. The pace and tone of Northwestern's response in coming weeks will be closely watched by lawmakers, donors and the broader higher education community.