September 04, 2025
In a significant turn of events, the president of Northwestern University, Michael Schill, has announced his resignation after a challenging three-year tenure. His time in office has been overshadowed by controversies surrounding pro-Palestinian protests on campus, which have drawn intense scrutiny from various political factions.
Schill’s decision to step down comes after a prolonged period of criticism from Republican lawmakers regarding the university’s response to the protests that took place last year. This scrutiny was compounded by a federal funding freeze that lasted several months, prompting Schill to reassess his position. He officially communicated his departure to the university community on Thursday.
“Serving as president of Northwestern University has been a profound honor,” Schill stated in a message to the campus community. “During my tenure, we have faced numerous challenges while also achieving significant milestones. Together, we have made decisions that have fortified the institution and ensured its future stability.”
Schill’s resignation marks the conclusion of a tumultuous chapter for the university, which has faced considerable backlash from congressional Republicans. This backlash was primarily due to an agreement Schill reached with pro-Palestinian protesters who had established a presence on campus. In May 2024, he was called to testify before Congress regarding allegations of antisemitism linked to the university’s handling of the protests. Schill’s agreement included commitments to enhance transparency in investment decisions and to provide additional support for Palestinian students and faculty.
Despite these commitments, the university has faced ongoing criticism for not delivering the promised level of transparency regarding its endowment. Schill defended his actions during congressional hearings, standing alongside leaders from other universities, yet he remained a focal point of criticism from lawmakers.
Accusations of mishandling antisemitism issues have persisted, leading to an investigation by the Trump administration into potential civil rights violations. This investigation resulted in a freeze of $790 million in federal research funding, which subsequently led to significant job cuts within the university.
In July, Schill and other university leaders expressed optimism about restoring the research funding, indicating that they were actively working towards a resolution. However, concerns from faculty and critics regarding the administration’s actions under Schill’s leadership have continued to surface. Notably, Steven Thrasher, a journalism professor involved in the protests, alleged that he was denied tenure due to his activism.
Schill’s presidency was also marked by challenges in the athletics department, particularly following allegations of hazing within the football program. He took decisive action by suspending and later terminating the head football coach, who subsequently filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the university. The two parties reached a settlement last month.
“As I reflect on our achievements and the future ahead, I believe it is time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter,” Schill remarked. He will remain in his position until an interim president is appointed.
With Schill’s resignation, only one of the seven university leaders who testified in congressional hearings on campus antisemitism remains in their role. Leaders from several prestigious institutions, including Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, have stepped down in the wake of these hearings.
In response to Schill’s resignation, Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican figure, expressed her approval on social media, stating that it was a long-overdue decision. The White House also issued a statement welcoming the change in leadership, expressing hope for a new direction for the university.
As the academic year progresses, it is anticipated that university presidents will face increased engagement from their boards, reflecting a broader trend in higher education governance.