United States: The Trump administration announced Monday that it will review Columbia University’s federal funding following allegations that the institution has failed to address antisemitism on campus, as reported by Reuters.
Federal Investigation and Potential Funding Cuts
A special task force established by the Department of Justice last month is leading the inquiry. The Departments of Health and Education and the General Services Administration jointly announced that the government is considering halting $51.4 million in federal contracts with Columbia. Additionally, officials will conduct a comprehensive review of over $5 billion in federal grants awarded to the university.
As of now, no funding restrictions have been implemented. Columbia University stated that it will review the federal announcement internally and reaffirmed its commitment to combating antisemitism.
US reviews Columbia University contracts, grants over anti-Semitism allegations | The Straits Times look into all these leftists schools https://t.co/8whEC6vrV7
— Bobby Binlaudin (@ccwnbabest) March 4, 2025
Rising Tensions on College Campuses
Research emerges after multiple reports have identified escalating antisemitic and Islamophobic sentiments alongside discrimination against Arab people since the Israel-Gaza conflict started after Hamas launched its October 2023 attack.
The student demonstrations at Columbia University have centered on U.S. support for Israel and have generated accusations of antisemitic and Islamophobic behavior through opposing rallies. Other U.S. universities have experienced similar conflicting situations.
Last summer’s protests led to:
- Canceled university programs
- Resignations of administrators
- Student suspensions and arrests
In recent weeks, New York has seen additional crackdowns:
- Barnard College disqualified students involved in demonstrations.
- Governor Kathy Hochul ordered Hunter College to remove job postings related to Palestinian studies.
- Columbia expelled a third student over last year’s occupation of Hamilton Hall.
What’s Next?
While federal agencies have not commented on potential investigations into Islamophobia and anti-Arab discrimination, the Columbia University review signals increased government scrutiny of campus activism and free speech issues. The outcome could have major implications for university policies nationwide, as reported by Reuters.