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4d ago

Federal Probe Finds Columbia University Neglected Antisemitism Complaints

Columbia faces funding negotiations with the Trump administration after federal agencies conclude it failed to address harassment of Jewish students and enforce campus policies.

Students are seen on the campus of Columbia University in New York, on April 14, 2025
The Trump administration had in March cut around $400 million worth of federal grants and aid to the university.
Low Memorial Library and Quad, Columbia University, New York City. Photo: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Overview

  • The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education determined Columbia University showed 'deliberate indifference' to student-on-student harassment targeting Jewish students since October 2023.
  • The investigation found the university delayed implementing effective antisemitism reporting mechanisms until mid-2024 and failed to follow its own policies in addressing complaints.
  • Columbia did not investigate or discipline incidents of vandalism, including swastikas on campus, or enforce neutral restrictions on protests.
  • The university is negotiating with the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding, which was frozen last semester, causing layoffs of at least 180 researchers.
  • Pro-Palestinian groups claim criticism of Israel is being conflated with antisemitism, while Columbia stakeholders debate the balance between academic freedom and anti-discrimination compliance.