Northwestern’s settlement with the federal government and broader pressure on campus speech are forcing presidents to recalibrate public statements and institutional policies. Experts say the $75 million agreement and related federal conditions raise questions about institutional independence, campus protest governance, and admissions practices. A separate convening of college presidents highlighted the tradeoffs leaders face when deciding whether to speak publicly on charged issues. Presidents described varied approaches—reticence, moderated statements, or direct advocacy—based on institutional mission, legal exposure, and campus safety. The debate underscores an operational dilemma: when to defend academic values publicly and when to prioritize stability and legal compliance.