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Columbia University Faces Federal Scrutiny Over Antisemitism, Racism, and Security Failures

Federal investigations and $430 million in funding cuts have intensified scrutiny on Columbia’s handling of discrimination complaints and campus security lapses.

Students protest at Columbia University on October 7, 2024.
A student protester parades a Palestinian flag outside the entrance to Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University on April 30, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Two janitors, Mariano Torres and Lester Wilson, filed federal discrimination complaints alleging antisemitic and racist incidents, including swastikas and harassment, at Columbia University.
  • Columbia University failed to investigate December 2023 graffiti incidents in Hamilton Hall, citing that the chalk-based swastikas and slogans were temporary and constituted free speech.
  • The complaints claim Columbia neglected to address security concerns despite multiple reports of unauthorized access to Hamilton Hall prior to a high-profile protest takeover in April 2024.
  • The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other federal agencies are investigating allegations of discrimination and retaliation against the janitors.
  • Federal funding cuts totaling $430 million have been imposed on Columbia, further pressuring the university to address its handling of civil rights and campus safety issues.