Major $220 million settlement between Columbia University and Trump administration

International News: Columbia University has agreed to pay more than $220 million (about ₹1,840 crores) to the Trump administration as part of a landmark settlement. The decision is aimed at restoring federal funding that was withheld due to allegations of insufficient response to alleged anti-Semitic incidents at the university. According to the Associated Press report, Columbia will pay this amount over three years.

In addition, the institute will pay a separate $21 million to settle civil rights cases, including allegations of discrimination against Jewish employees. This case gained momentum after the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. Columbia's acting president Claire Shipman has described this as "a turning point" for the institute.

Consent to reforms

Columbia was on the verge of losing billions of dollars due to federal funding cuts. Earlier this year, $400 million in research grants were withdrawn. The administration cited the university's inaction on anti-Semitic incidents as the reason for this. In response, Columbia has agreed to implement a number of reforms, including changes to the student discipline system and the adoption of a federally recognized definition of anti-Semitism.

Statement by Education Secretary

Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the agreement an "important milestone" in the effort to prevent discrimination against Jews. She said Columbia's reforms could serve as a model for other institutions.

Actions after demonstrations

The agreement comes after months of protests and confrontation on Columbia's campus. The Trump administration claims that pro-Palestinian demonstrations made Jewish students feel unsafe. Although some Jewish students also participated in these demonstrations, they say that the purpose of the protests was to criticize Israeli policies, not to target any particular religion.

Focus on international students

As part of the agreement, Columbia will now adopt new protocols for vetting international students, including their purpose for studying in the US. Also, all students will have to take an oath to maintain respectful dialogue on campus.Columbia has also acknowledged that if an international student faces disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion, that information will be shared with the federal government. This week, the university announced strict action against more than 70 students who were found to be involved in pro-Palestinian protests.