The Trump administration has cut approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the institution’s “inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students,” according to Reuters. The decision follows a review conducted by the administration's Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which includes members from the Justice Department, Education Department, Health and Human Services Department, and the General Services Administration, NBC News reported. “Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses—only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement, as reported by NBC News. “Universities must comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding.” Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, stated that the move is “one of the tools we are using to respond to this spike in anti-Semitism,” adding, “This is only the beginning,” according to NBC News. How did the university respond? In response, Columbia University said it is committed to working with the federal government to restore the lost funding. “We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is,” a university spokesperson told NBC News. “We are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.” The decision comes amid heightened tensions on college campuses over the Israel-Hamas war. Columbia was a focal point of protests calling for an end to US support for Israel, with allegations of both antisemitism and Islamophobia surfacing in demonstrations and counterprotests, according to Reuters. The Biden administration has also investigated Columbia and other universities for alleged violations of anti-discrimination laws. (With inputs from NBC News and Reuters)
