- Columbia agrees to $200m settlement with Trump administration over antisemitism probe
- Federal research funding was frozen after pro-Palestinian protests
- Trump says settlement ends DEI policies, shifts focus to merit-based admissions
Columbia University has agreed to a $200 million settlement with the U.S. government following months of pressure from the Trump administration over allegations of antisemitism and mishandling of campus protests.
This comes after federal authorities halted over $400 million in research grants earlier this year, accusing the Ivy League school of failing to protect Jewish students during widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Editor’s Pick
- Stephen Colbert Slams Trump After Show’s Cancellation
- Mountain Lion Attacks 4-Year-Old on Family Hike in US National Park
- WAEC, NECO Exams to Go Fully CBT by 2026 – FG
In a statement posted on the university’s website, Acting President Claire Shipman said Columbia will pay the fine over three years and an additional $21 million to settle Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations.
“These are substantial settlements,” Shipman admitted. “But with over $400 million in grants frozen and $1.3 billion in annual federal funding at risk, we had to act.”
She added that the university retains control over its academic decisions and hiring practices, clarifying that the agreement does not allow the government to dictate admissions or curriculum.
The settlement also follows Columbia’s compliance with a series of federal directives, including tighter scrutiny of Middle East Studies departments moves condemned by free speech groups as a threat to academic independence.
President Donald Trump praised the deal in a post on Truth Social, calling it “a win for accountability and for Jewish students across America.”
He confirmed the settlement also includes Columbia’s commitment to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies, and adopt a merit-based admissions system.
“Numerous other higher education institutions are next,” Trump added. “Many have spent government money wrongly and hurt countless students.”
The development marks a turning point in the ongoing clash between academia and the federal government under Trump’s leadership, with Columbia now under increased national scrutiny.
Columbia has not released the names of affected staff or detailed how the internal reforms will be implemented.
Meanwhile, rights groups warn that the administration’s pressure campaign could lead to widespread censorship on campuses across the United States.
