Columbia University Implements Policy Changes to Regain $400M Federal Funding

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the university is making progress after agreeing to reforms addressing antisemitism and campus safety concerns.

• The Trump administration froze $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University over concerns about antisemitism and its handling of pro-Palestinian campus protests.
• Columbia has agreed to nine policy changes, including adopting a new definition of antisemitism, increasing oversight of its Middle East studies department, and reforming protest and disciplinary policies.
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that Columbia is 'on the right track' to recover the funding, though final negotiations are still ongoing.
• Interim President Katrina Armstrong acknowledged the university's responsibility to ensure campus safety and address systemic issues of discrimination.
• The situation has drawn criticism from faculty and free speech advocates, who argue the federal demands threaten academic freedom and institutional independence.

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