Columbia University has decided to place its Middle East studies department under new supervision and amend its protest and student discipline policies following demands from the Trump administration, threatening to cut off federal funding. In a letter released on Friday, interim president Katrina Armstrong outlined that the university would also endorse a new definition of antisemitism and enhance “intellectual diversity” by expanding its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.
These developments have ignited backlash from faculty and free speech advocates who criticize the university for conceding to unprecedented governmental pressure that imperils academic liberty. According to Donna Lieberman from the New York Civil Liberties Union, Columbia’s actions jeopardize academic freedom across U.S. campuses.
Earlier, the Trump administration retracted $400 million intended for Columbia, stemming from the university’s perceived inadequate response to protests opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Alongside a demand for these reforms, billions in future grants were put at risk. By Friday, Armstrong confirmed that Columbia would initiate nearly all required modifications. This includes hiring new public safety officers with arrest powers, prohibiting student protests within academic facilities, and restructuring its student disciplinary procedures.
There will be a new regulation banning face masks on campus aimed at concealing identities, although health and religious reasons are exceptions. A new senior provost will be appointed to evaluate the leadership and curriculum of several international studies programs, aiming to ensure balanced educational offerings. This move appears to align with the demand that the Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies Department be under academic receivership for at least five years.
The Trump administration has consistently expressed concerns about antisemitism being unchecked at Columbia, particularly stemming from anti-Israel protests, a notion disputed by participants. Armstrong acknowledged efforts to address internal and external concerns regarding discrimination and antisemitic events affecting the Jewish community at Columbia.
Following weeks of intense criticism, Columbia became a focal point of the Trump administration’s educational policies, raising fears of similar measures towards other institutions. On March 8, federal immigration agents detained Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist, igniting further controversies. The Justice Department claims to investigate whether Columbia provided sanctuary to students implicated in those protests.
Though Columbia remains under scrutiny, other universities have received warnings regarding potential funding cuts unless they comply with the administration’s directives. Investigations into diversity programs are underway at various universities, and funding suspensions have already impacted institutions like the University of Pennsylvania.
Free speech organizations caution that Columbia’s reaction to the administration’s pressure could have widespread effects on campuses nationwide. Tyler Coward from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression remarked that Columbia’s acquiescence to these demands could discourage other universities from defending free speech and autonomy from governmental influence.