Columbia University Settles with Trump Administration for $200M Amidst Campus Protest Fallout

In a significant development for higher education, Columbia University has agreed to pay $200 million to the federal government, settling a long-standing dispute with the Trump administration. The agreement, announced by the university and confirmed by President Trump on social media, resolves accusations that the institution failed to adequately address antisemitism on its New York City campus, particularly in the wake of last year’s Israel-Gaza war protests.

This settlement marks a pivotal moment, with the government agreeing to reinstate a substantial portion of the $400 million in federal grants that were frozen or terminated in March. Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed the deal as a “seismic shift in our nation’s fight” to hold universities accountable, suggesting it could serve as a blueprint for other institutions.

Acting Columbia President Claire Shipman stated that the agreement represents an important step forward after a period of intense federal scrutiny and uncertainty. The university will disburse the $200 million over three years, though it maintains the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing.

As part of the terms, which largely codify changes Columbia has already implemented, an independent monitor will be appointed to oversee the agreement’s execution. These adjustments include stricter disciplinary actions for students involved in campus encampments, requirements for ID at protests, a ban on face masks during demonstrations, increased oversight of student groups, and an expanded campus police presence. President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, indicated that Columbia has also committed to revising its DEI policies and prioritizing merit-based admissions, hinting at further action against other higher education institutions.

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