Columbia University Accepts Federal Demands Following $400M Funding Revocation

The university agrees to policy changes, including a mask ban, expanded campus police authority, and oversight of academic departments to address allegations of antisemitism.

Columbia University has agreed to a series of demands from the Trump administration to begin negotiations for restoring $400 million in federal funding revoked earlier this month.
Key changes include banning masks during protests, empowering 36 campus police officers with arrest authority, and appointing a senior vice provost to oversee Middle Eastern studies programs.
The university also adopted a new definition of antisemitism and revised its disciplinary policies, expelling and suspending students involved in prior campus protests.
Critics argue the measures threaten academic freedom, with concerns raised about federal influence over the university's curriculum and governance.
The Trump administration's actions are part of a broader push targeting universities over alleged antisemitism and ideological bias, with investigations into 60 other institutions ongoing.