Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, said that the Trump administration is holding universities like Northwestern accountable for ensuring admissions and advancement are based on merit and individual qualifications. Swidler made his statement to Lake County Gazette on April 14.

"The Trump administration is holding universities like Northwestern accountable, encouraging them to prioritize student success based on character, merit, and achievements rather than race," said Swidler. "These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and fair educational environment, where all students have equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their background. By reinforcing these principles, the administration fosters a higher education system that celebrates individual potential and diversity of thought. President Trump is paving the way for more equitable academic opportunities for all students."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Trump administration has frozen approximately $790 million in federal funding for Northwestern University amid ongoing civil rights investigations. Additionally, more than $1 billion has been frozen for Cornell University. The funding freeze affects grants and contracts from multiple federal departments. Northwestern is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for alleged widespread antisemitic harassment and by Congress regarding claims that its law school’s legal clinics may have engaged in political advocacy. The university said it has not received official notification but has fully cooperated with the investigations.

In a March 14 post on its website, the U.S. Department of Education detailed ongoing Title VI investigations into several universities. The Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened investigations into 45 institutions for allegedly violating the Civil Rights Act by using racial preferences in graduate admissions. Additionally, six universities are under review for offering race-based scholarships, and one is being investigated for implementing racially segregated programs. The Department emphasized that these inquiries aim to uphold federal civil rights law, stating that student merit should not be determined by race. Institutions found in violation could face the loss of federal funding.

Swidler, a resident of Buffalo Grove, was first elected to the role of Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Vernon Township voters."