Columbia University has taken decisive steps to combat anti-Semitism on campus following intense pressure from the Trump administration. The university has agreed to implement comprehensive policy changes aimed at creating a safer environment for Jewish students. How much federal funding was at stake for Columbia University?
Trump Administration Pressures Columbia to Address Anti-Semitism
Columbia University has agreed to implement sweeping policy changes to combat anti-Semitism on campus after the Trump administration withheld $400 million in federal funding. The university’s compliance comes in response to a Joint Task Force letter that outlined nine specific preconditions for restoring federal grants and contracts that were previously canceled due to ongoing investigations into potential Title VI violations.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. expressed approval of Columbia’s actions, stating, “Instead of inspiring universal condemnation, the October 7 holocaust triggered a global wave of anti-Semitism. Ivy League campuses became a greenhouse for poison. President Trump has ordered his cabinet to use every constitutional tool to uproot this divisive weed.”
This disgraceful behavior @ Columbia University part of the Poison Ivy League schools not the Middle East! President Trump so disgusted he froze 400 million in funds! Bravo President Trump 👏 pic.twitter.com/uvASNC5u9C
— 🇺🇸 CHLOE 🇺🇸 (@Chloe4Djt) March 21, 2025
Comprehensive Policy Changes and Requirements
The university has committed to several significant policy changes as part of its compliance with the Trump administration’s demands. These changes include restricting protests to prevent anti-Semitic communication, enforcing a ban on face coverings during demonstrations, and reviewing admissions procedures to ensure fairness toward Jewish students.
Columbia will also review its regional studies programs, enforce disciplinary policies against violations, and expand security personnel to better protect Jewish students on campus. Additionally, the university has committed to adhering to student visa and immigration laws, with a specific focus on creating a safe environment for Jewish students following months of pro-Palestinian protests.
🚨 #BREAKING: Columbia University in NYC, the location of violent pro-Hamas riots, has just BACKED DOWN to President Trump after he pulled $400 MILLION in federal funding to the school
They will now:
➡️ Ban mask wearing on campus during “protests”
➡️ Hire 36 “special officers”… pic.twitter.com/nMU4X7jxXA— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 21, 2025
Model for Other Universities Facing Similar Scrutiny
The Anti-Defamation League played a significant role in pushing for these changes, particularly the mask ban for protesters. Columbia’s compliance with the Task Force’s demands is being viewed as a potential model for other universities facing similar issues related to campus anti-Semitism.
Linda McMahon, a member of the Task Force, noted that “Columbia is demonstrating appropriate cooperation with the Trump Administration’s requirements, and we look forward to a lasting resolution.” Task Force member Josh Gruenbaum added that “Columbia’s early steps are a positive sign, but they must continue to show that they are serious in their resolve to end anti-Semitism and protect all students and faculty on their campus through permanent and structural reform.”
As part of its renewed commitment to fostering dialogue and cultural exchange, Columbia’s Tel Aviv Center is scheduled to launch programming in the second quarter of 2025. This initiative represents one of several steps the university is taking to rehabilitate its relationship with the government and address concerns about anti-Semitism on campus.