Columbia University bans face masks in protests amid federal funding demands

In the United States, Columbia University has implemented new policies in response to demands from the Trump administration. These demands included a ban on face masks during protests, aimed at addressing concerns over antisemitism on campus. On March 22, 2025, Interim President Katrina Armstrong communicated these changes, emphasizing the university's commitment to safety and academic freedom, despite the pressure from external government entities. Additionally, Columbia announced the hiring of 36 new special officers to enhance security on campus, giving them authority to remove or arrest individuals as necessary. These decisions are marked as significant moves towards regaining the $400 million in federal funding that had previously been withdrawn due to accusations of the school failing to protect students against antisemitism. Columbia's new mask policy allows face coverings for medical or religious reasons while requiring participants in protests to show university ID upon request. This decision comes alongside a broader review of the university's admissions practices, which have faced scrutiny due to a noticeable decline in Jewish and African American student enrollments. The university plans to investigate its admissions procedures to ensure fairness and balance in their approach, following the challenges posed by recent protests and a Supreme Court ruling on race in admissions. The establishment of a new Office of Institutional Equity with a dedicated staff to handle discrimination complaints is also part of this restructuring effort. Furthermore, the university's academic departments focused on Middle East studies will be under new supervision to ensure educational offerings are comprehensive and do not perpetuate bias towards any group. Although the administration has framed these changes as necessary for improving student safety and promoting institutional neutrality, they have sparked criticism from various academic circles who view them as a capitulation to governmental overreach and a potential infringement on academic freedom. This intervention is seen as unprecedented and raises questions regarding the autonomy of academic institutions when responding to government pressures. Columbia University had previously become a focal point for pro-Palestinian activism, leading the way for similar movements across many colleges in the United States. As the institution navigates these challenges, it continues to highlight its dedication to academic freedom, free expression, and respect for inclusivity within a diverse community, while tackling the external pressures posed by political forces.