Facing Blowback, Stanford Partly Reverses Course and Pledges Press Subsidy for One More Year

In the face of fierce criticism of its decision to discontinue a $1.7-million annual subsidy for its renowned press, Stanford University (CA) on Tuesday partly reversed course, pledging up to that amount for the 2019-20 fiscal year and expressing willingness to consider requests for further funds in 2020-21. It also signaled that it might loosen rules that have prohibited the press from seeking support from major donors. In a letter to the faculty, the provost, Persis Drell, said the funds would be allotted "to help ensure a smooth transition to a sustainable future."