Columbia Settles $221M Antisemitism Case, Funding Restored

Columbia University has agreed to a $221 million settlement with the Trump administration to restore approximately $400 million in federal research funding that was revoked following allegations of inadequate action against campus antisemitism during the Israel-Hamas war. The agreement includes $200 million in payments over three years and $21 million to settle Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations. As part of the deal, Columbia must overhaul its student disciplinary process, adopt a new definition of antisemitism, ban racial preferences in admissions and hiring, and submit certain programs to new oversight by an independent monitor. The settlement also closes multiple civil rights investigations. Columbia denies any wrongdoing but acknowledged the need for reform to address incidents affecting Jewish students and faculty, while emphasizing its retained autonomy in academic matters. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the agreement as a significant shift in university accountability regarding campus antisemitism and the use of taxpayer funds.