Northwestern University President Michael Schill announced his resignation on Thursday, marking the latest top-level resignation from a major university as the Trump administration scrutinizes schools over their handling of antisemitism.
Schill made no mention of specific administration efforts or policies, but merely noted that “difficult problems remain, particularly at the federal level.”
“It is critical that we continue to protect the University’s research mission and excellence while preserving academic freedom, integrity, and independence,” he added. “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. Therefore, I have decided, in consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, that I will step down as President.”
Schill plans to take a sabbatical one the university selects new leadership and will return to the university’s law school after that break. Schill was one of several university presidents to testify before the House Education Committee about pro-Palestine demonstrations on college campuses in the wake of Oct. 7.
Though the May 2024 hearing in which he participated was far less contentious than the Dec. 2023 hearing with the presidents of MIT, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania, Schill nonetheless found himself on the receiving end of tongue lashing.
In response to his resignation, House Education Committee Chairman Tim Walberg said that “President Schill will leave behind 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. Northwestern’s next president must take prompt and effective action to protect Jewish students from the scourge of antisemitism,” he added.
Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.
