Columbia University Implements Policy Changes to Address Trump Administration’s Anti-Semitism Concerns

On March 21, Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong announced that she has put into effect the Department of Education’s stipulations aimed at combatting campus anti-Semitism to qualify for federal funding.

Armstrong confirmed that all nine conditions set forth by President Donald Trump, along with directives from the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, have been fulfilled. These include a ban on student masks—except for health or religious reasons—a revamped admissions and recruitment process, and robust administrative oversight from a newly appointed senior vice provost tasked with monitoring specific academic majors that previously propagated anti-Semitic teachings.

Furthermore, Armstrong shared that the campus judicial board responsible for student discipline will now consist of administrators and faculty members. The campus public safety staff is also being expanded to more effectively manage disruptive incidents, and there will be an enhancement of “intellectual diversity” among faculty members, as per Armstrong’s announcement.

“We have diligently worked to address the valid concerns raised both internally and externally within our Columbia community, including those from our regulators, regarding the discrimination, harassment, and anti-Semitic incidents our Jewish community has experienced since October 7, 2023,” her statement conveyed.

The Trump administration recently revoked $400 million in grants to Columbia, which was projected to receive $5 billion in federal support for the 2024-2025 academic year, following an investigation into alleged anti-Semitic disruptions and acts of vandalism during pro-Palestinian protests, leading to the resignation of former university president Nemat “Minouche” Shafik.

This is a developing story and will be updated.