Columbia University has agreed to a list of demands by the Trump administration in order to begin negotiations on restoring $400 million in federal funding that was stripped from the university due to accusations of inaction in addressing persistent harassment of Jewish students. The demands include implementing a mask ban, completing disciplinary proceedings for student protesters, and making other long-term structural changes. The university has responded and outlined its progress to ensure uninterrupted academic activities. However, student groups have criticized the university for striking a deal with the administration and accused Columbia of not defending its students or faculty from the government’s crackdown on Palestinian activism. The history department warned against allowing administration interference in policy, likening it to attempts by authoritarian regimes to control academic institutions. The threats to federal funding followed a task force launched by the Justice Department to combat anti-Semitic harassment on college campuses. Additionally, federal immigration officials apprehended at least two Columbia students involved in protests, raising concerns about free speech. The university’s journalism school described the arrests as chilling and a threat to democracy. Columbia students are currently on spring break and will return to campus next week.
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