The Trump administration decided to pull $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University due to the government’s claims that the Ivy League institution failed to address antisemitism on its campus.
The big picture: This decision came after federal agencies previously expressed intentions to halt work on $51 million in contracts with the university and evaluate its eligibility for over $5 billion in future federal grants.
- In response to the cancellation of funding, Columbia University expressed a commitment to working with the government to regain the lost money, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
- The university stated that it takes its legal obligations seriously and is dedicated to combating antisemitism to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.
What they’re saying: The decision to terminate funding received varying reactions, with Jewish student group Columbia/Barnard Hillel welcoming the move as a call for the university’s administration to address antisemitism.
- Conversely, the New York Civil Liberties Union criticized the government’s actions as unconstitutional coercion of colleges and universities to silence certain student speech.
Driving the news: Columbia University has been a focal point of campus protests, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, sparking demonstrations from pro-Palestinian groups and leading to arrests during building seizures.
- The university’s handling of antisemitism and responses to criticism of Israel have garnered attention, with former President Minouche Shafik facing congressional inquiries before resigning.
