Columbia University has agreed to restructure its Middle East studies department and revise its policies on protests and student discipline in response to pressure from the Trump administration. The university will also adopt a new definition of antisemitism and focus on enhancing intellectual diversity by expanding its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. The move has sparked criticism from some faculty and free speech groups, who view it as a threat to academic freedom. Despite the backlash, Columbia plans to implement the demanded reforms to secure federal funding that was at risk due to its handling of protests against Israel’s military actions. The university will hire additional public safety personnel, restrict protests in academic buildings, and update its student discipline procedures. Notably, students will no longer be allowed to wear face masks on campus unless for health or religious reasons. Furthermore, a new senior provost will review the leadership and curriculum of international studies departments. This decision comes after the Trump administration accused Columbia of failing to address antisemitism during protests last spring, leading to the demand for academic receivership of the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department for at least five years. Despite these challenges, Columbia remains committed to addressing concerns and upholding its values as an academic institution.
Justice Department officials are investigating Columbia University for potentially hiding students wanted by the U.S. government due to their involvement in demonstrations. President Trump has been targeting Columbia in his campaign against higher education institutions, warning other schools to align with his policies or face budget cuts. His administration has launched probes into 52 universities regarding their diversity efforts and has withheld around $175 million in federal funding from the University of Pennsylvania following a controversy involving a transgender swimmer in 2022. Advocates for free speech have criticized Columbia’s response to Trump’s actions, cautioning that the university’s compliance sets a concerning precedent for academic institutions nationwide. Tyler Coward, representing the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, emphasized the importance of universities defending free speech in the face of government pressure, questioning the implications for other colleges if a prestigious institution like Columbia cannot resist such demands.
