Columbia University Agrees to $220M Settlement with Trump Administration Over Antisemitism and DEI Policies
Columbia University Agrees to $220M Settlement with Trump Administration Over Antisemitism and DEI Policies
Columbia University has reached a landmark agreement with the Trump administration, committing to pay over $220 million to resolve allegations related to antisemitism on campus and to restore crucial federal funding. The deal, announced on Wednesday, culminates a period of intense federal scrutiny following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which led to widespread campus protests and heightened tensions at the Ivy League institution.
Under the terms of the settlement, Columbia will disburse a $200 million settlement over three years. An additional $21 million is earmarked to address alleged civil rights violations against Jewish employees that occurred in the aftermath of the October 7 events. This agreement comes after the university faced threats of losing billions in government support, including $400 million in grants previously canceled by the administration, citing Columbia’s alleged failure to adequately address antisemitism.
Acting University President Claire Shipman stated that the agreement marks a vital step forward after a period of sustained uncertainty, emphasizing that it codifies reforms without an admission of wrongdoing, while preserving the university’s autonomy. Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed the deal as a “seismic shift” in the effort to hold institutions receiving taxpayer dollars accountable, calling Columbia’s reforms a “roadmap” for other elite universities.
The agreement solidifies several changes previously initiated by Columbia. These include a comprehensive overhaul of its student disciplinary process, the application of a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism to disciplinary committees, and a review of its Middle East curriculum for balance. Furthermore, the university has committed to ending programs that promote “unlawful efforts to achieve race-based outcomes, quotas, or diversity targets” and will issue reports to a monitor to ensure programs do not promote “unlawful DEI goals.”
In a move with potential implications for international students, Columbia also agreed to question prospective international students about their reasons for wishing to study in the U.S. and to establish processes ensuring commitment to “civil discourse.” The university also promised to provide information to the government, upon request, regarding disciplinary actions involving student-visa holders that result in expulsions or suspensions. This follows Columbia’s recent announcement of suspensions, expulsions, or degree revocations for over 70 students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
The settlement underscores the Trump administration’s broader campaign to exert closer oversight on higher education institutions, particularly concerning campus protests and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Other universities like Cornell, Northwestern, Brown, and Princeton have also seen federal funding frozen, signaling a wider push for institutional changes across the U.S. higher education landscape.
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