Chicago March 20, 2025
The Trump administration has canceled approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University. This decision was made due to the university’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students from harassment.
According to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Columbia University has not taken sufficient action to combat antisemitism on campus. The university has been criticized for its handling of protests related to the war in Gaza, which sparked a nationwide debate over free speech, campus policing, and antisemitism.
Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, stated that the university is taking the administration’s actions seriously and is committed to working with the federal government to address their concerns.
The funding cuts will have a significant impact on the university, affecting research, student programs, and faculty projects. The Health and Human Services and Education Departments will issue stop-work orders to freeze the university’s access to some funds.
