Trump Administration Freezes $510M in Grants to Brown University Amid Antisemitism Review

The Trump administration has moved to freeze approximately $510 million in federal grants to Brown University, pending a review of the university’s response to antisemitism and its stance on diversity-related policies, the White House confirmed on Thursday. Brown officials, however, said they were unaware of any such action.

“As of now, we have no information to confirm these reports,” Provost Frank Doyle wrote in a message to academic leaders. “We’re actively monitoring all grant-related communications but currently have nothing further to share.”

Brown now joins a growing list of elite universities under scrutiny by the Trump administration. Federal funding has also been suspended for Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, as officials examine campus policies and responses to rising tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

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The Trump administration has launched investigations into several institutions where pro-Palestinian protests have taken place, alleging that universities have failed to adequately address antisemitism. Critics argue that the Trump administration is suppressing legitimate criticism of Israel and encroaching on free speech and academic independence.

Some university leaders have resigned under pressure. Most recently, Harvard University requested the resignation of both the chair and vice chair of its Middle East Studies Department. According to reports, Professor Cemal Kafadar was asked to step down over his alleged criticisms of Israeli policy.

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A female medical faculty member with a valid visa working at Brown University was previously deported back to her home country of Lebanon after the Trump administration unilaterally revoked her visa. The Department of Homeland Security cited the fact that the female faculty member was seen at a public rally in Lebanon as the reason for the deportation.

News of the possible funding freeze at Brown was first reported by The Daily Caller.

SLHA and news agencies
4 April 2025