Columbia University agrees to $200 million settlement to restore federal funding

Columbia University, located in the United States, announced on Wednesday that it would pay $200 million to the federal government after facing threats from President Donald Trump regarding the withdrawal of federal funding. This decision came amid allegations that the university failed to adequately protect Jewish students during campus protests that erupted over the conflict in Gaza. The settlement aims to resolve investigations into violations of federal anti-discrimination laws and includes a commitment from Columbia to adhere to rules that prohibit consideration of race in admissions and hiring processes. In addition to the settlement aimed at restoring $200 million in federal grants that had been paused, Columbia University will also allocate $21 million to settle allegations brought by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The deal effectively reinstates a significant portion of federal grants that were previously terminated and aims to ease the financial pressures that Columbia was experiencing. The university has a long-standing reputation and maintains a substantial endowment, yet it has become increasingly dependent on federal funding. This settlement is viewed as a significant achievement for the Trump administration, which has taken a firm stance against what it perceives as leftist ideologies prevalent in elite universities. Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed optimism for similar outcomes with other institutions, particularly Harvard University, which is currently engaged in a legal dispute with the Trump administration over its federal funding. Harvard's administration is under scrutiny as discussions of potential settlements continue, with Trump's administration hoping to negotiate an agreement outside of the courts. While the settlement allows Columbia to regain access to vital federal funds, it does come with conditions that include a commitment to protect academic independence while managing appropriate oversight concerning disciplinary actions related to protests. Columbia University faced backlash over its handling of protests last year, which included claims of anti-Semitism and inadequate measures to protect students who felt threatened. Consequently, the university imposed disciplinary actions, including expulsions of students involved in protests advocating for divestment from Israel. Columbia's agreement with the federal government marks a notable shift in the relationship between higher education institutions and federal funding.