The federal authorities canceled $400 million in grants to Columbia College amid its antisemitism probe into the college, the Justice Division’s Activity Pressure to Fight Anti-Semitism introduced Friday.
The cancellation is as a result of college’s “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students,” the Division of Justice, Division of Well being and Human Providers, Division of Training and the U.S. Common Providers Administration mentioned in a joint assertion.
A college spokesperson mentioned Columbia is looking for to reverse the choice.
“We’re reviewing the announcement from the federal businesses and pledge to work with the federal authorities to revive Columbia’s federal funding,” the spokesperson mentioned in a press release.
“We take Columbia’s legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.”
The departments mentioned further cancellations are prone to comply with. The college has some $5 billion in federal grant commitments, in line with the businesses.
“Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses — only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” Training Secretary Linda McMahon mentioned.
“Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer,” she added.
The choice comes after Barnard Faculty, an affiliate of Columbia, noticed arrests and accidents when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed a campus constructing.
Columbia has been a constant goal of Republicans since college students on the college started the nationwide pro-Palestinian encampments that occurred final spring, occupying a central swath of campus for weeks final summer season.
The funding reduce for Columbia follows threats earlier in President Trump’s time period to cease grants to colleges over antisemitism or range, fairness and inclusion packages.
