Columbia University has agreed to pay more than $220 million in a settlement with the Trump administration to restore federal research funding that was previously cancelled. The deal comes after the university faced scrutiny for alleged failures to address antisemitism on campus during the Israel-Hamas conflict.The Ivy League institution will pay $200 million over three years and an additional $21 million to resolve claims of civil rights violations against Jewish employees. The White House confirmed the details of the agreement, which aims to reinstate federal support for Columbia’s research programmes.Details of the settlement and reforms agreedUnder the agreement, Columbia University will implement significant changes, including revising its student disciplinary procedures and applying a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism not only in teaching but also in disciplinary reviews. The administration accused the university of not adequately curbing antisemitic behaviour during the 2024 protests linked to the Israel-Hamas war.As reported by the Associated Press, acting University President Claire Shipman said, “This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty.” The university has promised to preserve its autonomy while codifying reforms demanded by the federal government.The administration had previously threatened to cut billions of dollars in government funding, including over $400 million in grants that were withdrawn earlier this year. The funding was halted due to concerns that Columbia had allowed antisemitic incidents to occur on campus without sufficient action.Federal oversight extends to curriculum and diversity policiesAs part of the settlement, Columbia agreed to review its Middle East curriculum to ensure it is “comprehensive and balanced.” It also committed to appointing new faculty to its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. The university agreed to end programmes that promote “unlawful efforts to achieve race-based outcomes, quotes, diversity targets or similar efforts,” according to the White House.Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the deal as “a seismic shift in our nation’s fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment,” as quoted by the Associated Press. McMahon added that Columbia’s reforms could serve as a “roadmap for elite universities” seeking to regain public trust.Columbia will also submit reports to federal monitors confirming that its programmes do not promote unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, as required under the settlement.International students and campus discipline under scrutinyThe agreement includes provisions to question prospective international students about their reasons for studying in the US, to ensure they are committed to “civil discourse.” Columbia has also agreed to provide information on disciplinary actions involving student visa holders when requested by the government. This could facilitate deportation proceedings against students involved in protests, according to the Associated Press.Following the settlement, Columbia announced it would suspend, expel, or revoke degrees from over 70 students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus, including protests in the main library and an encampment during alumni weekend.Background of funding cuts and federal investigationsThe Trump administration launched its investigation into Columbia following pro-Palestinian campus protests in 2024. Jewish students reported verbal abuse and harassment during demonstrations, according to Columbia’s antisemitism task force. The university’s leadership has acknowledged the need for change amid pressure from federal authorities.This case was one of several targeted by the Trump administration, which froze over $2 billion in federal research funding at institutions including Cornell, Northwestern, Brown, and Princeton universities. The administration also temporarily withheld $175 million from the University of Pennsylvania over disputes concerning women’s sports policies.Federal scrutiny has extended beyond private universities, with investigations into public institutions such as the University of Virginia and George Mason University regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.President Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform, stated that Columbia “committed to ending their ridiculous DEI policies, admitting students based only on merit, and protecting the Civil Liberties of their students on campus,” as reported by the Associated Press. He also warned that “numerous other higher education institutions” would face similar scrutiny.The settlement between Columbia University and the Trump administration represents a significant moment in US federal oversight of higher education funding and campus policies.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
