Columbia Settles for Over $220 Million to Regain Federal Research Funds
University Reaches Accord After Federal Scrutiny Over Campus Antisemitism
Columbia University has agreed to pay more than $220 million to the federal government to reinstate crucial research funding that had been suspended. The deal, announced Wednesday, aims to resolve disputes stemming from accusations of inadequate efforts to combat antisemitism on campus following the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel.
Federal Oversight and Financial Accord
The Ivy League institution will disburse a US$200-million settlement over three years. Additionally, Columbia will pay $21 million to address alleged civil rights violations targeting Jewish employees. “This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty,” stated acting University President Claire Shipman. The university had faced the potential loss of billions in federal support, with over $400 million in grants canceled earlier this year due to concerns about the campus environment.
Columbia University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to pay more than $220 million to the federal government to restore federal research money that was canceled in the name of combating antisemitism on campus. https://t.co/v3o0L0Jm81
— The Globe and Mail (@TheGlobeandMail) June 12, 2024
Campus Reforms and Definitions of Antisemitism
As part of the accord, Columbia has committed to several reforms demanded by the federal administration. These include revising its student disciplinary procedures and adopting a U.S.-endorsed definition of antisemitism for use in teaching and in disciplinary committees. Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed the deal as a “seismic shift” in holding institutions accountable.
“Columbia’s reforms are a roadmap for elite universities that wish to regain the confidence of the American public by renewing their commitment to truth-seeking, merit, and civil debate.”
—Linda McMahon, Education Secretary
The agreement also mandates a review of Middle East curricula to ensure balance and the appointment of new faculty to its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. Columbia must also cease programs promoting “unlawful efforts to achieve race-based outcomes, quotes, diversity targets or similar efforts” and provide reports to a monitor on its programs’ adherence to these guidelines. As of Spring 2024, over $2 billion in federal funding had been frozen at several other prominent universities facing similar scrutiny, including Cornell and Northwestern, according to government reports.
Navigating Protest and Federal Pressure
The pact follows months of intense negotiations at the nearly 300-year-old university, which was an early target of President Donald Trump‘s efforts to address pro-Palestinian protests. Columbia’s own antisemitism task force reported instances of verbal abuse and humiliation against Jewish students during spring 2024 demonstrations. However, many student protesters assert their focus is on criticizing the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, not on targeting Jewish individuals.
The settlement includes provisions requiring Columbia to question international students about their motivations for studying in the U.S. and ensure all students are committed to civil discourse. The university also agreed to provide federal authorities with information regarding disciplinary actions against international students facing expulsion or suspension. This comes after Columbia announced sanctions against over 70 students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Broader Federal Actions in Higher Education
The federal pressure on Columbia is part of a wider campaign impacting higher education. The administration has previously frozen funds at other institutions over disputes related to DEI practices and gender identity in sports. Investigations into DEI policies have also been opened at universities like the University of Virginia and George Mason University.
