Columbia University Agrees to Trump Administration's Demands on Antisemitism

Columbia University has agreed to a set of demands from the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding that was previously withheld due to concerns over antisemitism on campus amid rising tensions from pro-Palestinian protests. The university will implement a ban on face masks, increase police powers on campus, and place its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies department under new leadership to ensure a balanced curriculum. This decision comes as the administration has warned over 60 other universities about potential sanctions for similar issues, reflecting a broader push to enforce compliance with federal civil rights laws. Critics express concern that these demands may infringe on academic freedom, with some arguing that the government's actions represent an authoritarian approach to university governance. Supporters, including some alumni, view the changes as necessary for restoring the university's mission and addressing antisemitism. The White House's response to Columbia's compliance remains pending, and the future of the funding situation is still uncertain.