Columbia University Loses $400M Over Antisemitism Concerns \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Trump administration revoked $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing its failure to address antisemitism on campus. Despite Columbia’s new disciplinary measures against students critical of Israel, the federal government deemed its efforts insufficient. The decision has sparked controversy, with free speech advocates condemning it as government censorship, while Jewish student groups support the move. Columbia has pledged to work with federal agencies to restore funding.
Trump Administration Defunds Columbia: Quick Looks
- $400M in Federal Funding Revoked – Columbia loses grants and contracts over antisemitism concerns.
- Columbia’s Crackdown on Protesters Deemed Insufficient – New disciplinary measures failed to prevent federal action.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon Justifies Decision – Says Columbia failed to protect Jewish students.
- Free Speech Advocates Condemn the Move – Claim it targets pro-Palestinian speech.
- Jewish Student Groups Applaud Funding Cut – Call it a wake-up call for Columbia’s leadership.
Deep Look
Trump Administration Revokes $400 Million in Federal Funding from Columbia University
In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration announced Friday that it was revoking $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, citing its failure to combat antisemitism on campus.
The decision comes five days after federal agencies signaled they were reviewing Columbia’s eligibility for over $5 billion in future grants. Despite Columbia’s recent disciplinary actions against students critical of Israel, the administration determined these efforts were insufficient.
Columbia’s Response Falls Short of Federal Expectations
Facing intensifying scrutiny over its handling of campus protests, Columbia recently created a disciplinary committee and increased investigations into students accused of antisemitic behavior.
However, the Department of Education, along with the Departments of Health, Justice, and the General Services Administration, found these measures lacking.
“Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus.” – Education Secretary Linda McMahon
Columbia expressed disappointment over the decision and pledged to work with the government to restore funding:
“We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and are committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.” – Columbia University Statement
The university is now assessing the impact of the funding loss, which could affect research projects, student programs, and medical center operations.
Jewish Student Groups Applaud the Decision
The funding cut was welcomed by Jewish student organizations, including Columbia/Barnard Hillel.
“This should be a wake-up call for Columbia’s administration and trustees to take antisemitism and the harassment of Jewish students and faculty seriously.” – Brian Cohen, Columbia/Barnard Hillel Executive Director
For months, Jewish students at Columbia have reported increasing hostility, particularly following the October 2023 Israel-Hamas war.
A Columbia University task force found that Jewish students and faculty had been:
- Ostracized from student groups.
- Verbally harassed during campus protests.
- Humiliated in classrooms for their views on Israel.
Free Speech Advocates Condemn the Federal Action
Civil liberties groups, however, see the administration’s move as an attack on free speech, arguing that it targets students who criticize Israel.
“This is an unconstitutional attempt to coerce colleges and universities into censoring student speech and advocacy that isn’t MAGA-approved, like criticizing Israel or supporting Palestinian rights.” – Donna Lieberman, NYCLU Executive Director
Columbia has been a center of pro-Palestinian activism, with student demonstrators protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. In April, pro-Palestinian activists set up an encampment on campus, inspiring similar protests across the country.
Demonstrators also occupied a university building, leading to dozens of arrests.
Many protesters argue that criticizing Israel’s policies does not constitute antisemitism, while university administrators have struggled to balance free speech protections with student safety concerns.
Congressional Scrutiny and Leadership Shake-Up
Columbia’s handling of antisemitism has drawn congressional attention, with Republican lawmakers pressuring the university to act.
In December 2023, then-President Minouche Shafik testified before Congress, vowing to combat antisemitism on campus. Four months later, she resigned.
Now, interim president Katrina Armstrong is under pressure to restore the university’s federal funding while managing an ongoing wave of student activism.
Federal Crackdown Expands to Other Universities
Columbia is the first major university to lose federal funding under Trump’s new directive targeting antisemitism on campuses, but it may not be the last.
Other institutions under federal investigation for antisemitism include:
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Minnesota
- Northwestern University
- Portland State University
The administration has signaled it may cut funding to other colleges that fail to meet federal antidiscrimination standards.
What Happens Next?
- Columbia Will Fight to Restore Funding – The university will likely negotiate with federal agencies to reinstate lost grants.
- Legal Challenges Are Possible – Civil rights groups may challenge the funding cutoff in court.
- More Universities May Be Targeted – Other schools under investigation could face similar consequences.
- Ongoing Student Protests – Pro-Palestinian activists are likely to escalate demonstrations in response.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s decision to cut $400 million from Columbia University marks a new phase in the federal crackdown on campus antisemitism.
- While Jewish student groups support the move, calling it a necessary step,
- Civil liberties advocates see it as government overreach, targeting students critical of Israel.
- Columbia’s leadership is now in crisis mode, seeking ways to reverse the funding loss.
As the debate over antisemitism, free speech, and student activism continues, Columbia’s case may set a precedent for how universities handle politically charged campus protests in the future.
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