The Trump administration has canceled $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University over its alleged failure to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests, it announced Friday.
Columbia became the epicenter of protest activity last school year when students pitched tents in support of Gaza on the campus lawns, launching a wave of encampments across American colleges. The canceled contracts represent about 8% of Columbia’s more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments and have the potential to severely disrupt campus operations.
“Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and antisemitic harassment on their campuses — only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.
“Universities must comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer.”
Columbia said it was reviewing the communication and pledged to work with the Trump administration to restore the university’s federal funding.
“We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff,” read the statement.
The announcement marked the first round of canceled federal contracts, as the Trump administration warned additional cancelations are expected to follow.
Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from schools with high protest activity, starting with Columbia on Monday. A federal task force against antisemitism accused Columbia of not responding to its warning.
“This is only the beginning,” said Leo Terrell, head of the Justice Department’s “Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.”
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