Columbia University agrees to settle discrimination claims for $221 million

In the United States, Columbia University has entered into a significant agreement to resolve investigations into alleged discrimination against Jewish students and faculty. The university will pay over $220 million, which includes a $200 million settlement over three years and an additional $21 million to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for settling claims of employment discrimination related to antisemitism. This decision comes amidst heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration, which accused Columbia of not adequately addressing antisemitic harassment on campus following the Israel-Hamas conflict that escalated in October 2023. The settlement aims to restore federal funding that had been canceled, which included approximately $400 million worth of grants and contracts due to concerns over antisemitism during a highly contentious period on campus. Under the agreement, Columbia will also implement several reforms including reviewing its Middle East curriculum, enhancing campus safety measures, and establishing new protocols for protests and disciplinary actions. The university aims to ensure academic freedom while committing to combat antisemitism effectively, representing a significant shift in its response to previous federal criticisms. Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, emphasized that this agreement marks an important step forward after a long period of federal scrutiny and uncertainty regarding funding essential for their research. While the university does not admit to any wrongdoing, it acknowledges that serious incidents affecting Jewish students and faculty occurred and reforms are crucial for restoring trust and compliance with federal expectations. A federal monitor will oversee the agreement to ensure adherence to the new policies and practices that Columbia has committed to implement. The settlement has profound implications not only for Columbia University but also for higher education institutions across the United States. As the largest antisemitism-related settlement recorded in U.S. history, it establishes a precedent for how universities may be held accountable for discrimination issues and their responses to political movements on campus, particularly those concerning sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict. This resolution will allow Columbia to regain access to vital research grants and is expected to influence broader campus policies across elite universities moving forward.