Illinois quick hits: Northwestern president resigns; unemployment claims rise

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

U OF I Medicine investigated for antisemitism

University of Illinois College of Medicine officials have until Monday, Sept. 8, to produce documents for a congressional investigation of alleged antisemitism at the school’s Chicago campus.

The U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce detailed numerous reports of hostile acts toward Jewish students in a letter dated August 25 of this year. The letter from U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, said it has not been demonstrated that the university responded in a meaningful way to address the problem.

Northwestern president resigns

Northwestern University President Michael Schill has resigned less than six weeks after announcing more than 400 layoffs at the school.

Schill fired former football coach Pat Fitzgerald in 2023 over hazing allegations. In a settlement announced last month, Northwestern said evidence did not establish that any player reported hazing to Fitzgerald or that the coach condoned or directed any hazing.

Unemployment claims rise

Unemployment is on the rise in Illinois.

WalletHub said the state’s jobless claims last week were 13.74% higher than the week before and 39.31% higher than last year.

Illinois ranks fifth on WalletHub’s list of States Where Unemployment Claims Are Increasing the Most.