How the Israel-Gaza war triggered historic federal action against Columbia University
The federal investigation and subsequent $220 million settlement between Columbia University and the administration of US President Donald Trump followed months of student unrest linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The university was accused of failing to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests that intensified after the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
Federal authorities launched a probe into Columbia's handling of antisemitic incidents during the protests, resulting in a temporary freeze of more than $400 million in federal research funding earlier this year.
Campus protests and federal response
Columbia faced scrutiny after Jewish students reported verbal abuse, harassment, and threats during demonstrations in response to the Israel-Hamas war.
The protests, which included encampments and sit-ins inside university buildings, led to claims that the administration did not adequately intervene. These concerns were cited by federal investigators as contributing to a hostile environment.
The Trump administration acted by suspending Columbia's access to federal funding and initiating a broader civil rights investigation. The inquiry focused on both student conduct and the university's enforcement of anti-discrimination policies.
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Terms of the settlement agreement
Under the final settlement, Columbia University agreed to pay $200 million over three years to the US government, along with an additional $21 million to resolve claims filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regarding civil rights violations against Jewish staff.
The agreement also outlines several required institutional reforms. According to details released by the White House and reported by the Associated Press, Columbia must revise its disciplinary framework, ban protests inside academic buildings, and require student protestors to reveal their identities if masked.
The university will also appoint an independent monitor to oversee implementation.
Impact on DEI and curriculum policies
As part of the settlement, Columbia committed to terminating programmes that the White House labelled as promoting "unlawful efforts to achieve race-based outcomes, quotas, diversity targets or similar efforts." This requirement aligns with the administration's position against certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Additionally, Columbia will review its Middle East studies curriculum to ensure a balanced academic approach and will hire new faculty with expertise in Israel and Jewish studies, as reported by the Associated Press.
Disciplinary measures and student visa concerns
Columbia announced disciplinary action against more than 70 students involved in the protests, including suspensions, expulsions, and possible revocation of degrees.
Some protests occurred during alumni weekend and in the university's main library.
The settlement further requires Columbia to provide disciplinary information on international students when requested by federal authorities. As noted by the Associated Press, this provision could be used in deportation proceedings involving visa-holding students.
Official reactions to the federal action
Columbia's acting president Claire Shipman said, "This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty," as reported by the Associated Press.
The university affirmed its commitment to compliance while maintaining academic independence.
US Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the settlement as "a seismic shift" in holding taxpayer-funded institutions accountable, according to the Associated Press. President Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that Columbia had agreed to "end their ridiculous DEI policies," as also reported by the Associated Press.
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