Brandeis Center urges DOJ to probe Northwestern's Qatar funding under FARA

The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law sent a formal request to Attorney General Todd Blanche, seeking a DOJ inquiry into Northwestern University's relationship with Qatar. According to the letter, the Qatar Foundation—an entity overseen by the Qatari government—has provided $737 million for Northwestern's satellite campus in Doha, including yearly operating support, management fees, and a $15 million capital infusion.

Evan Slavitt, the center’s general counsel, contended that Northwestern has pledged to obey Qatari law at both its Doha and Evanston sites, effectively prohibiting criticism of the Qatari emir. He asserted that this arrangement turns the university into a foreign-government public-relations conduit, citing one outlet-October 7 messaging and campus activism that reflect Qatari perspectives. The letter also referenced former President Michael Schill’s testimony about antisemitism on campus and the distribution of a pro-Palestine toolkit by the Northwestern Women’s Center.

The Brandeis Center warned that such financial influence undermines the university’s independence and should be disclosed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Northwestern’s media office has not responded to requests for comment.