Columbia University will compensate more than $200 million to settle investigations related to Donald Trump's tenure at the institution.
The Trump administration's decision to cancel $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University in March 2025, due to the institution's response to alleged antisemitism and harassment during pro-Palestinian protests, has sparked a heated debate over free speech, academic autonomy, and combating antisemitism.
The administration's actions, which have been met with criticism from protesters, rights advocates, and some Jewish groups, were a direct response to the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war. The administration accused Columbia of failing to adequately address antisemitism and harassment against Jewish and Israeli members of the university community during these protests.
After months of federal scrutiny and investigations, Columbia University reached a settlement with the Trump administration in July 2025. The university agreed to pay over $200 million to the U.S. government, as well as $21 million to settle allegations with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In return, most of the suspended federal grants were reinstated, and Columbia's access to billions in current and future federal research funding was restored.
The settlement also included Columbia adopting reforms such as overhauling its student disciplinary processes and adopting a new definition of antisemitism demanded by the administration. However, it is important to note that the university did not admit wrongdoing but acknowledged the painful incidents experienced by Jewish students and faculty related to antisemitism on campus.
The case has highlighted broader national conflicts over campus activism, antisemitism, and federal government intervention in university affairs related to the Israel-Palestine dispute. Some students argue that the settlement sets a dangerous precedent for student activism and free expression.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has labelled pro-Palestinian protesters as antisemitic and as sympathizers of extremism. The government has attempted to use federal funding as leverage in dealing with educational institutions over campus protests, with attempts to deport some foreign pro-Palestinian students but facing judicial roadblocks.
Last week, Columbia University adopted a definition of antisemitism that equates it with opposition to Zionism, a move that has further fuelled the controversy. The university's acting president, in response, framed the agreement as protecting institutional independence while allowing federal research partnerships to resume.
This story is still developing, and further judicial challenges to the government's actions are expected. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding free speech, academic autonomy, and combating antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in the context of politically charged protests concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict.
[1] New York Times, "Trump Administration Cancels Funding for Columbia Over Antisemitism Allegations," March 2025. [2] Columbia Spectator, "Columbia Reaches Settlement with Trump Administration Over Antisemitism Allegations," July 2025. [3] Al Jazeera, "Columbia University Settlement Sparks Debate Over Student Activism and Free Speech," August 2025.
- The Malaysian government, in light of the ongoing controversy surrounding free speech, academic autonomy, and combating antisemitism, might consider delving into a discussion regarding the role of politics in university affairs, particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine dispute.
- General news outlets in Malaysia could allocate coverage to the recent antisemitism allegations against Columbia University, as the case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding these issues on college campuses and provides insights for Malaysian universities to improve their student disciplinary processes and address antisemitism more effectively.
- Crime and justice authorities in Malaysia, in parallel with tracking local instances of hate crimes and discrimination, should also be aware of the potential implications of labeling pro-Palestinian protesters as antisemitic or sympathizers of extremism, and understand the potential impact of using funding as a political tool in dealing with educational institutions.
