Columbia University bows to Trump demands and changes policies

In March 2025, Columbia University in the United States faced significant controversy following its decision to comply with the Trump administration's demands. This came as a response to the federal government pulling $400 million in funding over the university's handling of protests related to Israel's military actions. Protesters and faculty members expressed their discontent with the changes, which included overhauling the university's disciplinary process, banning masks at protests, and increasing scrutiny over Middle Eastern studies programs. Faculty, including members of the American Association of University Professors, voiced concerns over academic freedom being compromised. The administration's actions were largely motivated by the need to restore lost federal funding, placing the school under intense political pressure to align with the government’s requirements. On the first day back from spring break, protests erupted as faculty and students dressed in black, mourning the perceived loss of their academic rights. They argued that the university's decision represented a shift towards political control of academic discourse. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon supported the new measures, indicating that compliance would favor the reinstatement of funding. However, this situation raised broader questions about free speech and the autonomy of academic institutions amid governmental influence, resulting in potential far-reaching consequences for academic freedom and research at Columbia University and potentially other institutions. Many academics feared this could set a precedent where funding decisions interfere with university governance and academic integrity.