Trump Demands Major Changes in Columbia Discipline and Admissions Rules

The Trump administration has demanded that Columbia University make significant changes in student discipline and admissions in order to discuss lifting the cancellation of $400 million in government grants and contracts. The administration cited Columbia’s failure to protect Jewish students from harassment as the reason for the ultimatum. The government called for the university to formalize its definition of antisemitism, ban the wearing of masks intended to intimidate, and place the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under academic receivership. Officials from the General Services Administration, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services stated in a letter that immediate compliance is expected.

The Trump administration has escalated its targeting of Columbia University by cutting its grants and contracts, citing the university’s failure to protect American students and faculty from antisemitic violence and harassment. The administration has demanded a response to its letter within a week as a precondition for formal negotiations regarding Columbia University’s financial relationship with the United States government. Columbia University is currently reviewing the letter and is committed to addressing discrimination and hatred on its campus.

Columbia University has announced disciplinary actions against students who occupied a campus building last spring, including expulsions and suspensions. The punishments include multiyear suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions. The university conducted hearings for students accused of violations in connection with the April 17-18 encampment on the South Lawn and the occupation of Hamilton Hall. The school’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security had searched two dorm rooms but did not detain anyone or seize anything.

Columbia University and the D.H.S. have not responded to requests for comments after working hours. The Trump administration has warned 60 other universities of potential penalties for antisemitism on college campuses. Columbia University began issuing suspensions to pro-Palestinian demonstrators last spring after they occupied campus buildings in protest. The university has faced scrutiny for its handling of discipline, with the House Committee on Education and Workforce expressing concerns about antisemitic incidents on campus.

The House Committee on Education and Workforce has raised concerns about antisemitic incidents at Columbia University and has requested detailed disciplinary records. The university has initiated a judicial process against students involved in various incidents, including protests and disruptions. Representative Tim Walberg has expressed skepticism about the university’s ability to hold individuals accountable for their actions. Students notified of sanctions have the opportunity to appeal within five business days.

Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a group involved in organizing protests, has criticized the university’s sanctions as an attempt to silence the movement for Palestinian liberation. The university’s judicial process has been described as fair and transparent by Professor Joshua Mitts, who is also the adviser to Law Students Against Antisemitism. The process allows for appeals based on procedural errors, new information, or excessive sanctions. The university remains committed to upholding due process, free speech, and academic freedom.