Columbia Students, Professors Sue Trump Administration Over Free Speech Violations

Columbia University students, including one facing deportation, are suing university officials and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, arguing that sharing disciplinary records would infringe on their free speech rights. This lawsuit follows the Trump administration's demands for compliance with campus protest regulations, threatening Columbia's $400 million in federal funding if it fails to address allegations of antisemitism linked to pro-Palestinian protests. The ACLU has also intervened, asserting that the administration's actions violate both the First Amendment and federal privacy laws. Concerns are mounting across the academic community regarding the chilling effect these demands could have on academic freedom and the potential for increased scrutiny of political activism on campuses. Critics argue the administration's push is an attempt to suppress dissenting voices and punish scholars with unpopular views. The situation highlights the tension between governmental oversight and the protection of free speech in educational settings.