Northwestern University President Michael Sil Resigns
Michael Sil, the President of Northwestern University, announced his resignation on Thursday after facing ongoing conflicts with the Biden and Trump administrations regarding the university’s handling of anti-Semitism.
In his decision, Sil reflected on the “serious and often painful challenges” the university encountered during his presidency. He cited consultations with Northwest councillors as a key factor in his choice to step down. It’s worth noting that the university was under investigation by the Biden administration and faced penalties from the Trump administration linked to its response to anti-Semitic incidents.
“It has been my great honor to be president of Northwestern University for the past three years,” Sil shared with the university community. “During this time, we’ve made significant progress, although we have concurrently faced extraordinary challenges. Together, we have taken steps to strengthen our institutions and ensure their future.”
A spokesperson for the Northwest introduced the Daily Caller News Foundation in Sil’s official statement.
Additionally, Sil played a pivotal role in the university’s decision to sign a contract with anti-Israel protesters in 2024 and was known for appointing two professors deemed “radical anti-Israel” to lead the negotiations. Reports mentioned that some managers were “inspired” by the demonstrators and recognized their “surprising victory.”
The university’s agreement with the protesters included a review of foreign investments, as well as commitments to support Palestinian faculty and students at university costs and create housing specifically for Muslim and Middle Eastern students.
During testimony before Congress in May 2024, Sil acknowledged that none of the protesters had been suspended or expelled by that time.
Sil will continue at Northwestern to teach and conduct research within the law school.
