Columbia University Agrees $221M Settlement Restoring Federal Grants Over Antisemitism Allegations

Columbia University has agreed to a $221 million settlement with the Trump administration to resolve federal investigations into allegations that the university failed to adequately address antisemitism on campus during protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The settlement includes a $200 million payment over three years and an additional $21 million to settle claims brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission concerning harassment of Jewish employees. In exchange, the Trump administration will reinstate approximately $400 million in previously frozen federal research grants. Columbia maintains its autonomy over academic decisions but has agreed to implement significant reforms, including changes to its disciplinary processes, antisemitism policies, and campus protest rules, with oversight from an independent monitor. Acting University President Claire Shipman called the agreement a pivotal advancement that ends a period of federal scrutiny while emphasizing the university's commitment to fighting antisemitism and improving campus culture. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon described the deal as a "seismic shift" in holding institutions accountable and expressed hope it would influence other universities, while Harvard University is pursuing legal action in response to similar federal funding threats.