Columbia University has complied with various requests from the Trump administration after $400 million (£310 million) in federal funding was withheld due to claims that the university did not adequately address antisemitism on campus.
The university’s updated policy states that face masks designed to hide identity are now prohibited, and individuals participating in protests must present university identification when requested.
In a memo released on Friday, Columbia addressed a list of nine requirements provided by the Trump administration that would need to be met for the reconsideration of the $400 million funding.
Columbia has acquiesced to many of these demands, though the Trump administration has not yet responded, leaving the future of the funding uncertain.
“Our communication with government agencies highlights the significant efforts we’ve made over the past academic year to uphold our mission, facilitate uninterrupted academic pursuits, and ensure that every student, faculty member, and staff person feels safe and welcomed on our campus,” Interim President Katrina Armstrong informed students via email on Friday.
One significant change impacting the academic landscape at Columbia involves the leadership of its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies department, which will now have a new official at the helm.
“In this position, the Senior Vice Provost will assess the educational programs to guarantee a comprehensive and balanced curriculum,” the memo indicated.
According to Columbia, this role will “conduct a detailed review of the program offerings across regional studies at the university, beginning immediately with the Middle East.”
The institution will also evaluate its admission procedures to “ensure impartiality in the admissions process.”
Earlier this month, the Trump administration stated that the withdrawal of funding was due to alleged “ongoing inaction regarding the harassment of Jewish students.”
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the New York campus last year and their political repercussions played a significant role in the administration’s funding decision.
Shortly after the federal funding cuts were announced, Columbia communicated that it would be taking disciplinary action against students who engaged in a pro-Palestinian protest last spring, during which they occupied a campus building.
Several students received suspensions, while others faced expulsion due to their involvement.
When the $400 million was retracted, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated: “Universities must adhere to all federal antidiscrimination regulations if they wish to receive federal funds.”
The Trump administration had mandated the prohibition of masks on Columbia’s campus and the allowance for university police to detain “agitators” if discussions about federal funding were to proceed.
Columbia is not alone in facing funding cuts; the Trump administration has cautioned 60 universities that their funding may be at risk if incidents of antisemitism on campuses remain unaddressed.
This situation arises following the high-profile arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and campus activist, who was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities earlier this month.
Khalil, a legal permanent resident in the U.S., is facing deportation due to his involvement in the campus protests of 2024.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Khalil and other pro-Palestinian activists are affiliated with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Khalil’s attorneys assert that he was exercising his right to free speech by participating in demonstrations advocating for Palestinians in Gaza and opposing U.S. support for Israel. They have accused the government of “blatantly suppressing student activism and political expression.”
