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.
- 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.
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