Columbia's Funding Frozen Over Antisemitism Concerns

Columbia University is working to restore $400 million in federal funding, which was frozen by the Trump administration due to concerns about anti-Semitic harassment and violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The university has agreed to implement several policy changes, including increased security measures, modifying its definition of antisemitism, and placing its Middle Eastern studies department under new oversight. These changes have sparked protests among students and faculty, who view them as a threat to academic freedom. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has indicated that Columbia is on the right track to regain the funding, contingent on continued compliance with federal demands. Despite the university's efforts, the outcome of restoring the funding remains uncertain as the administration evaluates Columbia's commitment to these reforms. Faculty and advocacy groups criticize the university for yielding to what they perceive as political pressure from the Trump administration.