Michael H. Schill, president of Northwestern University, has announced his resignation after three years at the helm of the institution. His departure is announced at a particularly difficult time marked by drastic budget cuts and intense political pressure, especially from the right.
Schill’s resignation statement admitted there were challenges during his time on the job. He cited the freeze on federal research funds as the biggest existential concern facing the university. Yet the Trump administration has still chosen to cancel almost $800 million in research grants. This unusual and extreme action has deeply affected all academic institutions, including Northwestern.
“Over the past three years, it has been my profound honor to serve as president of Northwestern University,” Schill stated in a message addressed to students, faculty, and staff. “As I reflect on the progress we have made and what lies ahead, I believe now is the right time for new leadership to guide Northwestern into its next chapter.”
Schill’s leadership faced intense scrutiny this year, particularly regarding the university’s handling of campus protests related to the war in Gaza. Conservative critics, including Republican Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan, accused Schill of failing to adequately address rising antisemitism on campus. Walberg stated, “President Schill will leave behind a legacy of not only failing to deter antisemitism on campus but worsening it.”
The politics around Schill’s resignation became even more heated, part of the larger Republican effort to shame and punish elite universities. The industry-friendly administration has been falling back on capping federal research dollars. Some view this as a broader tactic to drive universities to adopt specific policy preferences. Yet, during a congressional hearing earlier this year Republicans berated Northwestern University for failing to do enough to address antisemitism. As a consequence, many prominent Jewish advocacy organizations called for Schill’s ouster.
In July, the university announced it would eliminate approximately 425 jobs due to the funding freeze, highlighting the financial pressures facing the institution. Michael Blake, a former vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee and Northwestern grad, jumped on social media to express his dissatisfaction. She called Schill’s resignation an “educational malpractice.” He stated, “Northwestern Alum. Don’t be silent. Our President is resigning b/c of GOP pressure in accusing our Alma mater of being Antisemitic (which NU is not) while the Federal govt withholds funds for Black causes (Racist). Stand up for the current Cats and those who come behind us.”
Consequently, reactions to Schill’s resignation have been a study in contrasts. Those who cheered his move greatly outnumbered those who chastised him for it. This disparity illustrates the starkly divided opinions around his leadership and the unique challenges facing the university.