Brown University Settles Federal Probe, Launches New School, Raises Tuition, and Celebrates Milestones in Research, Diversity, and Campus Life
Good morning, Brown community! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
Brown University has reached a $50 million settlement with the Trump administration to restore federal research funding and resolve investigations into alleged antisemitism and racial bias. As part of the agreement, Brown will direct the payment to workforce development programs in Rhode Island and will adopt federal definitions of gender while eliminating the consideration of race in admissions. This move aligns with the administration’s strategy to reshape higher education policies. The deal ensures the restoration of suspended federal grants and reimbursement of unpaid grant costs, while allowing Brown to maintain control over its curriculum and academic speech. University President Christina Paxson emphasized that the agreement preserves institutional values and academic independence amid increasing government pressure.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 28, when Brown Football will host its annual "Meet the Bears" youth clinic at the Berylson Family Fields. This free event offers young fans the opportunity to receive instruction from current Brown football players and coaching staff. The clinic will conclude with free pizza, autographs, and photo opportunities. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with the clinic starting at 6 p.m. Please note that high school students are not eligible to participate due to NCAA regulations.
Effective July 1, 2025, Brown University has established the Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs. This new school builds upon the foundation of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, expanding research and teaching on pressing economic, political, social, and policy challenges. The school is named in honor of Thomas J. Watson Jr., a Brown alumnus and former U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union.
The Corporation of Brown University has approved a 4.85% increase in undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2025-26 academic year. This includes a 4.5% increase in the undergraduate tuition rate. The university is also increasing its financial aid budget by approximately $17 million to support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
The School of Engineering has announced the recipients of the 2025 Hazeltine Innovation Awards. These grants support early-stage faculty research projects with the potential to attract external funding and create a lasting impact. This year's awardees include Professors Lucas Caretta, Benjamin Kimia, Arto Nurmikko, Kimani Toussaint, and Monica Martinez Wilhelmus. Their projects span a range of innovative research areas, contributing to the advancement of engineering and technology.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Brown University has launched the "Brown 2026" initiative. This multi-year exploration examines the role of university research and teaching in advancing open and democratic societies. The initiative includes new academic courses, public lectures, reading programs, research grants, and fellowships for visiting scholars. The John Nicholas Brown Center for Advanced Study will host six visiting fellows over three years, contributing to scholarship related to the initiative.
From November 7 to 9, 2025, Brown University will host "130 Years of Jewish Life at Brown," a weekend of panels, activities, and celebrations. This alumni-led event will reflect on the enduring legacy of Jewish life on campus and look to its future. The weekend will feature social gatherings, research presentations, career panels, faculty lectures, worship services, and more.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus.
