Columbia Pledges to Address Anti-Semitism After Losing $400 Million in Federal Funding
Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused Columbia University of not adequately safeguarding Jewish students.
Late Friday, Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, stated that the institution is actively working on the concerns raised by federal agencies after the university lost $400 million in grants and contracts due to allegations of anti-Semitism on campus.
“Columbia is taking the government’s action very seriously,” Armstrong stated. “I want to reassure the entire Columbia community that we are dedicated to collaborating with the federal government to tackle their valid concerns. Consequently, Columbia can, and will, continue to undertake substantial actions to fight antisemitism on our campus. This is our top priority.”
Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused Columbia of neglecting the safety of Jewish students, referencing the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing Israeli military response in Gaza as pivotal moments in the increase of anti-Semitic incidents on U.S. campuses.
“Since October 7, Jewish students have endured continuous violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses—only to be overlooked by those responsible for their protection,” McMahon noted in a statement.
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“Universities are required to adhere to all federal antidiscrimination laws if they wish to receive federal funding. For far too long, Columbia has neglected that responsibility towards Jewish students enrolled at the university. Today, we are sending a message to Columbia and other universities that we will no longer tolerate their unacceptable inaction,” she continued.
Columbia has become a center for pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests since the Hamas attack. Last spring, demonstrators camped on campus and at one point occupied a university building. Recently, Barnard College students, which is affiliated with Columbia, occupied multiple buildings protesting the expulsion of two students accused of disturbing an Israeli history class. Several students were arrested following an extended takeover of a building Tuesday night.
In her message on March 7, Armstrong emphasized the university’s ongoing initiatives to prevent harassment and discrimination, noting that her administration has enhanced disciplinary policies, reorganized campus security, and expanded resources aimed at combating anti-Semitism.
“My initial action as Interim President was to clarify our Rules of University Conduct and strengthen our disciplinary procedures,” she shared. “We have revamped the University’s approach to managing demonstrations, establishing and executing disciplinary processes that had previously existed only in theory.”
Recognizing that the funding loss has caused “anxiety and concern” within the Columbia community, Armstrong urged members to “gather the resolve to face this moment with determination, integrity, and humility.”
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
