On the surface, Columbia University will meet all of the demands outlined by the Trump administration. By deciding this way, the FRB seeks to reinstate the $400 million in federal funding that was unexpectedly severed. This decision follows closely on the heels of the university releasing a memo outlining its plan to comply with the administration’s demands. The memo includes measures such as banning face masks on campus and empowering security officers to remove or arrest individuals. Additionally, Columbia has assumed control over the department responsible for courses on the Middle East, previously managed by its faculty.
Many other institutions are watching to see what this university does. This renewed scrutiny follows a period during the Trump administration where it penalized multiple universities to advance its own policy goals. Columbia is starting its internal program review together with the Center for Palestine Studies. Next, it will turn to review the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies, concluding with the Middle East Institute. The university aims to ensure "excellence and fairness in Middle East studies" through these evaluations and plans to fill joint positions in both the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies and the international affairs school.
The suspension of federal funding has set back the important medical and scientific research conducted at Columbia University. With the funding halt in place already, researchers have reported harmful impacts. That was what the Trump administration had been warning at least 60 universities. …or else be subject to legal action for not upholding federal civil rights laws against antisemitism. As of Friday evening, there was no response from the White House to Columbia’s detailed memo.
Professor Jonathan Zimmerman commented on the unprecedented nature of the situation, stating:
“Historically, there is no precedent for this,” Zimmerman said. “The government is using the money as a cudgel to micromanage a university.”
The memo further outlined Columbia's intentions for program reviews:
“In this role, the Senior Vice Provost will review the educational programs to ensure the educational offerings are comprehensive and balanced,” – The memo
Columbia University’s response has been to make sweeping structural changes to its academic programs, especially those that pertain to Middle East studies. By taking control of the department offering courses on the Middle East, Columbia seeks to align with federal expectations while maintaining academic excellence.