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A federal task force, established by President Donald Trump to combat antisemitism, is considering withdrawing over $50 million in federal contracts from Columbia University. This action is due to the university’s “ongoing inaction in the face of relentless harassment of Jewish students,” as stated by three federal agencies in a joint news release.
This move follows a period of significant unrest at universities nationwide and a series of high-profile incidents at Columbia related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likened antisemitism to “history’s most deadly plagues,” criticizing the “censorship and false narratives of woke cancel culture” for transforming universities.
Columbia University responded by affirming its commitment to fighting antisemitism and discrimination, stating that “calling for, promoting, or glorifying violence or terror has no place at our University.”
The task force will also review over $5 billion in grant commitments to Columbia for compliance with federal regulations.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized that institutions receiving federal funds must protect students from discrimination, questioning Columbia’s ability to continue its federal partnerships.
Columbia’s president, Minouche Shafik, resigned after a year of protests and campus disruptions.
The Anti-Defamation League released a report card assessing US colleges’ efforts to combat antisemitism. Columbia received a D.
Campus clashes continue, with recent disruptions including the distribution of anti-Israel flyers and a building occupation at Barnard College.
