Overview

• Columbia agreed to pay $200 million over three years to settle federal accusations of failing to protect Jewish students during 2024 pro-Palestinian protests and will recover most of the blocked research grants.
• The university has disciplined nearly 80 students with suspensions ranging from one to three years or expulsions for occupying campus buildings in May.
• The US Department of State has opened a formal investigation into Harvard’s admissions program for international students and staff to determine compliance with national interest standards.
• The Trump administration has used threats of funding freezes and visa restrictions since January to pressure universities over alleged campus antisemitism and ideological bias.
• Both Columbia and Harvard have pursued legal challenges and negotiated under federal pressure, highlighting deepening disputes over institutional autonomy and academic freedom.