Columbia University Negotiates Funding Restoration with Trump Administration

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NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University has finalized a landmark settlement with the Trump administration, agreeing to pay over $220 million to reinstate federal research funding that had been suspended amid allegations of antisemitism on campus.

The settlement concludes months of tense negotiations after federal agencies froze funding for multiple research programs, citing the university’s alleged failure to adequately address antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict that reignited in October 2023.

Settlement Breakdown:

• $200 million will be paid to the U.S. Department of Education and National Institutes of Health over a three-year period, reinstating blocked grants.

• An additional $21 million will resolve U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigations concerning discrimination and workplace bias complaints within certain academic departments.

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University’s Response and Policy Changes

Claire Shipman, Acting University President, announced the settlement, calling it “an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny.” Shipman emphasized Columbia’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus climate while reaffirming academic freedom.

As part of the agreement, Columbia has committed to implementing substantial policy reforms, including:

• A comprehensive review of the university’s Middle East curriculum, ensuring academic programs reflect balanced perspectives.

• Expansion of faculty positions within the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies, aimed at enhancing scholarly dialogue and research on Jewish history and culture.

• An internal audit of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, ensuring compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and avoiding promotion of what officials termed “unlawful DEI goals.”

The university will also issue a public report by December 2025 detailing these efforts, which will be subject to federal oversight.

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Backdrop of Escalating Federal Scrutiny

The Trump administration escalated investigations into Columbia following campus protests that intensified in late 2023. Allegations of antisemitic speech and hostile classroom environments prompted the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to initiate probes, which expanded into broader investigations regarding federal research grant compliance.

By February 2025, federal funding for over 150 research projects had been frozen, affecting millions in grants across disciplines, including biomedical sciences, engineering, and public policy.

The administration accused Columbia of creating a “permissive environment” for antisemitism, leading to calls for congressional hearings and demands for greater institutional accountability.

Final Thoughts

The Columbia University settlement signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing national debate over academic freedom, campus speech, and the federal government’s role in regulating university policies. With over $220 million on the line, Columbia’s case will likely set a precedent for how universities navigate politically sensitive issues in an era of heightened federal oversight.