Trump administration lists conditions to reinstate Columbia funding

President Trump has signed an executive order to combat antisemitism, particularly on college campuses, citing an “unprecedented wave” of harassment. Columbia University, facing the loss of $400 million in federal funds, has been demanded by the Trump administration to make significant changes to its disciplinary policies and admissions processes. The university has been criticized for its handling of pro-Palestinian student protests in 2024. The government has outlined immediate steps for the university to take, including formalizing a definition of antisemitism, banning masks used for intimidation, and placing certain departments under academic receivership.
Columbia University announced sanctions for students involved in pro-Palestinian protests last spring, including expulsions and multi-year suspensions. The university has been at the center of demonstrations demanding divestment from Israeli interests and an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel. Recent protests have also called for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and activist who was detained by immigration agents for his pro-Palestinian advocacy efforts. The letter from the government to the university implied that unless significant reforms were made, federal funding would not be restored. Columbia University has stated that it is reviewing the letter and is committed to addressing discrimination and hatred on its campus.