Columbia University to pay $200 million settlement in federal antisemitism probe

New Delhi, Jul 24: Columbia University has agreed to pay $200 million to the federal government over three years following accusations that it failed to protect Jewish students during last year’s Israel-Gaza war protests on its New York City campus. The agreement comes after the Trump administration froze $400 million in federal funding to the university earlier this year.

As part of the settlement, the federal government will reinstate a majority of the previously frozen or cancelled grants. The deal also codifies reforms Columbia has already begun implementing, including changes to its Middle Eastern studies department, new rules governing campus protests, and the appointment of “special officers” with the authority to remove or arrest students. An independent monitor will oversee the implementation of the agreement.

The settlement follows Columbia’s earlier agreement to adopt measures demanded by the administration, including restrictions on protest conduct, disciplinary action against students involved in Gaza protest encampments, mandatory ID checks for protesters, a ban on face coverings during demonstrations, tighter oversight of student groups, and expanded campus security presence.

Columbia has stated the agreement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing and is aimed at restoring its research partnership with the federal government. The university also emphasized that the settlement terms are designed to preserve its institutional independence.

The Trump administration has targeted over 600 colleges and universities across the U.S., suspending or cancelling more than 4,000 grants worth approximately $8 billion. Columbia was the first institution penalized in this nationwide review of campus policies related to antisemitism, transgender issues, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

In contrast to Columbia’s compliance, Harvard University has opted to challenge the administration in court following similar funding suspensions and restrictions. Legal hearings in the case between Harvard and the federal government began this week.

The administration is expected to announce similar actions against other institutions in the coming months.