Columbia University Makes Concessions to Trump Administration, Sparking Controversy

Columbia University Makes Concessions to Trump Administration to Restore Funding

Columbia University has agreed to a series of demands from the Trump administration in order to start negotiations on restoring $400 million in federal funding. This represents a significant concession by the university to the federal government.

The Trump administration canceled the university's federal grants on March 7, accusing it of "inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students." The abrupt cancellation of funds will end dozens of the university's cutting-edge research projects.

In a document provided to the government, Columbia agreed to ban student masks at protests, hire security officers who can arrest students, and appoint a new official to oversee Middle Eastern studies. The university also committed to "greater institutional neutrality" and reviewing its admissions procedures.

Columbia's interim president said the school responded to "ensure uninterrupted academic activities." However, student groups and faculty members criticized the concessions, comparing them to actions by "authoritarian regimes."

The demands are the latest hit for the university, seen as the epicenter of pro-Palestinian protests that spread across college campuses. The protests were prompted by the Israeli government's response to Hamas attacks, which killed thousands and displaced millions in Gaza.

Columbia students staged daily protests, occupied buildings, and used controversial slogans, leading to dozens of arrests. Some Jewish students joined the protests, while others felt they were hateful.

The university's journalism school condemned the arrests of student protesters, calling them an "alarming chill" on free speech.

Columbia students are on spring break and will return to campus next week.