Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced on Thursday that he was stepping down after three years in the role after three years in the role.
Schill’s resignation follows mounting criticism of his handling of antisemitism on campus and the fallout from federal funding cuts.
In April, the Trump administration froze about $790 million in research funds. Officials cited civil rights violations and Northwestern’s failure to protect Jewish students. As a result, the freeze triggered layoffs and halted new hiring, leaving the university in a financial and reputational crisis.
“I believe now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter,” Schill said. He will remain in office until an interim president is named.
Criticism Over Antisemitism Response
Schill, who is Jewish, faced sharp criticism for negotiating with anti-Israel protesters in 2024 to end a disruptive campus encampment.
As part of what became known as the Deering Meadow Agreement, the university pledged to review its investments, reinstate its Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility, expand programs for Gazan students and faculty, and answer questions about endowment holdings.
The deal drew swift backlash. Seven Jewish members of Northwestern’s antisemitism advisory committee resigned in protest. At a congressional hearing, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) told Schill: “You cut a disgraceful deal with the encampment.”
Meanwhile, Jewish students filed lawsuits in May 2024, alleging civil rights violations and a hostile environment created by unchecked antisemitic activism.
Federal and Congressional Scrutiny
The Trump administration launched an investigation into Northwestern for discriminating against Jewish students. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, said Schill left “a legacy of not only failing to deter antisemitism on campus but worsening it. These students not only deserve better, but the law requires it.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) was even more direct, writing on X: “President Michael Schill finally resigned today after he failed [to] protect Jewish students, caved to the demands of the antisemitic, pro-Hamas mob on Northwestern’s campus, and failed to hold students who perpetuate antisemitic attacks accountable at an Education and the Workforce Committee hearing.”
LONG overdue! @NorthwesternUni President Michael Schill finally resigned today after he failed protect Jewish students, caved to the demands of the antisemitic, pro-Hamas mob on Northwestern’s campus, and failed to hold students who perpetuate antisemitic attacks accountable at… pic.twitter.com/lVJXVjlTrV
— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) September 4, 2025
Congressional materials also cited the Deering Meadow Agreement, arguing it legitimized antisemitic demands and codified them into school policy. Lawmakers said the deal further underscored Northwestern’s failure to protect Jewish students, adding to the pressure on Schill and the Board to reverse course.
CAAN Calls for Immediate Reform
The Coalition Against Antisemitism at Northwestern (CAAN) welcomed Schill’s resignation but stressed that leadership change alone will not solve the crisis.
“President Schill’s resignation comes as Northwestern negotiates with the White House to release $790 million in frozen research funds,” CAAN said in a statement. “Major reforms are critical, and they will not occur without federal oversight.”
Moreover, the group urged the Board of Trustees to restructure governance, cut ties with its Qatar campus, rescind the Deering Meadow Agreement, and sign a federal settlement to restore funding.
“Northwestern now needs a principled, persuasive leader grounded in Western democratic values and with the moral clarity to confront antisemitism,” CAAN added.
What Comes Next
The university now faces negotiations with the White House to restore frozen funds while navigating multiple federal investigations. The Board of Trustees will appoint an interim president and begin the search for Schill’s successor.
Ultimately, CAAN pledged to serve as both “a constructive partner and a relentless watchdog” until Jewish students are safe, Title VI compliance is verified, and Northwestern regains integrity.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
