Ivy League institution, Columbia University, agrees to shell out $221 million in a settlement involving business magnate, Donald Trump.
Columbia University has implemented a series of significant policy reforms in response to allegations of antisemitism under the previous administration. The reforms, which were negotiated as part of restoring $400 million in federal funding, aim to address concerns of antisemitic harassment and discrimination, improve governance, and promote viewpoint diversity.
The reforms include a $200 million settlement related to alleged failures to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment and discrimination. The university has also taken disciplinary action against student offenders responsible for severe disruptions of campus operations linked to antisemitic incidents.
To improve governance and oversight, the university has made structural changes to the Faculty Senate. The reforms also aim to bring viewpoint diversity to Middle Eastern studies programs, reducing ideological bias and presenting a broader range of perspectives.
In an effort to address concerns about race-based preferential treatment on campus, the university has eliminated race preferences in hiring and admissions practices, ending policies such as affirmative action. The university has also ended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs that distribute benefits and advantages based on race.
The university has adopted a new definition of antisemitism and partnered with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for antisemitism training. The reforms also include new policies on campus protests, with restrictions on demonstrations and new disciplinary procedures designed to maintain order and comply with federal civil rights laws.
It is important to note that Columbia has not admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement. The reforms have prompted mixed reactions, with groups like FIRE highlighting potential issues in requiring students to commit to certain values and restrictions on demonstrations.
The reforms were implemented after a judgment that blocked the foreign student ban. The school's agreement to implement these contentious policy changes came a day after sanctions against dozens of students for pro-Palestinian protests in May 2025 and the spring of 2024.
The administration framed these changes as a "seismic shift" in holding elite universities accountable, emphasizing commitments to truth-seeking, merit, civil debate, and compliance with federal civil rights laws.
This article was edited by Sean Sinico. The reforms at Columbia University mark a significant step towards addressing concerns of antisemitism and promoting a more inclusive and diverse campus environment.
References:
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
- The White House
- The government is now partnering with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for antisemitism training at Columbia University, which marks a significant effort in the international arena to combat this issue.
- In addition to addressing antisemitic harassment and discrimination, the reforms at Columbia University also include changes in Middle Eastern studies programs to promote viewpoint diversity and reduce ideological bias.
- As part of the reforms, Columbia University has implemented new policies on campus protests, with restrictions on demonstrations and new disciplinary procedures designed to maintain order and comply with federal civil rights laws, aligning with general news and crime-and-justice discussions about law enforcement and civic rights.
