Now, Columbia University is being accused of failing to protect Jewish students against antisemitism on campus. In order to escape draconian punishment from the Trump administration, the university has consented to a number of demands. One university in New York City just lost $400 million in federal funding. This loss led the city to make major revisions to its policies and the city’s departmental organization. The administration's allegations centered around "continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students" at the institution.
In response to the funding cut, Columbia University announced that face masks used for concealing identity are now prohibited on campus. In addition, anyone involved in demonstrations is required to show university ID if asked. This policy change comes on the heels of a larger effort to get in alignment with federal expectations.
The administration’s demands will lead to a redefinition of roles in Columbia’s Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies department. This seminal change will fundamentally change how the department thinks and acts. According to a memo issued by the university, there will be a "conduct of a thorough review of the portfolio of programs in regional areas across the University, starting immediately with the Middle East," aiming to "ensure the educational offerings are comprehensive and balanced."
The Trump administration sent Columbia University a strikingly long list of nine conditions. They needed all of these conditions in place before they would even think about calling off their withdrawal of federal funding. These comprised the controversial mask ban as well as police in the university system to arrest “agitators.”
"Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding."
Now, the detention of Mahmoud Khalil by federal immigration enforcement has added another layer of confusion and complication. Mahmoud, right, is a Columbia graduate and a passionate campus activist. Now, Khalil, a legal permanent US resident, is looking at deportation for his role in the 2024 campus protests. Recently, the Trump administration has made the outrageous claim that Khalil is supportive of Hamas. This claim has only raised tensions between the university and federal investigators.
Khalil's lawyers have criticized these actions as "open repression of student activism and political speech," highlighting concerns about the impact on students' freedom of expression.
Columbia University's Interim President Katrina Armstrong reassured students through an email about the university's dedication to addressing antisemitism on campus. The administration’s efforts now turn towards redefining departmental responsibilities and standards, and ensuring that educational programs comply with a new set of federal expectations.