Columbia University Pays $221M to Restore Federal Funding After Civil Rights Probes

Columbia University has reached a settlement with the Trump administration to pay over $220 million to resolve federal investigations into civil rights violations related to alleged harassment of Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The agreement includes a $200 million payment over three years to restore most of the $400 million in federal funding that was previously frozen, along with an additional $21 million to settle a separate Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation concerning employment discrimination against Jewish staff. Columbia agreed to implement reforms, including adopting a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism, overhauling its disciplinary processes, and complying with oversight by an independent monitor, while maintaining its academic autonomy. The university acknowledged the need for reform but did not admit wrongdoing, emphasizing its commitment to preventing harassment. President Trump hailed the agreement as historic and suggested other universities with withheld funds might face similar outcomes. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the deal as a significant step toward holding institutions accountable for antisemitism and discrimination in higher education.