Columbia Agrees to Sweeping Policy Changes Following Federal Ultimatum
Facing mounting pressure from the Trump administration, Columbia University has agreed to a series of policy changes, including increased oversight of its Middle East studies department, revised rules for protests, and an expanded definition of antisemitism. The decision follows an extraordinary threat to withhold billions of dollars in federal funding over the university’s handling of campus protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The move has sparked outrage from faculty, free speech advocates, and civil liberties groups, who argue that the university has succumbed to political pressure in a way that could set a dangerous precedent for academic freedom nationwide.
Federal Pressure and Funding Cuts Lead to University Overhaul
Earlier this month, the Trump administration pulled $400 million in research grants and other funding from Columbia University, citing concerns about its response to pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Federal officials later issued an ultimatum, demanding the university implement nine sweeping reforms or risk losing future federal funding.
On Friday, interim President Katrina Armstrong confirmed in a letter that Columbia would comply with nearly all of the administration’s directives. Key changes include:
Placing the Middle East Studies department under new oversight for five years
Barring student protests inside academic buildings
Hiring new campus security with authority to make arrests
Revising disciplinary procedures for students involved in protests
Prohibiting face coverings on campus, except for health or religious reasons
Expanding Columbia’s Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies to promote “intellectual diversity”
Controversy Over Middle East Studies Oversight
One of the most contentious demands was the Trump administration’s insistence that Columbia place its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under academic receivership for at least five years. The move is seen as an unprecedented level of federal intervention in university curriculum decisions.
To address this, Columbia will appoint a senior provost to review the department’s leadership and curriculum to ensure its programs are “comprehensive and balanced.” Critics argue that this politicizes academic oversight and could lead to government interference in higher education nationwide.
Protest Crackdowns and Campus Security Overhaul
The policy overhaul will significantly change how Columbia handles student activism. The university will:
Ban protests inside academic buildings
Empower new security personnel to arrest demonstrators
Revise its disciplinary process to expedite punishment for protesters
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Columbia of allowing antisemitism to flourish at anti-Israel protests—a claim denied by student groups and faculty involved in the demonstrations.
Armstrong acknowledged in her letter that Columbia had worked to address concerns but said, “The way Columbia and Columbians have been portrayed is hard to reckon with. We have challenges, yes, but they do not define us.”
Arrest of Palestinian Activist Sparks Fears of Further Crackdowns
The federal scrutiny on Columbia escalated earlier this month when immigration officials arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and Columbia graduate student, in his university-owned apartment. Trump called the arrest “the first of many” and warned of further deportations.
The Justice Department is also investigating whether Columbia provided shelter to students sought by U.S. authorities for their roles in demonstrations.
Broader Crackdown on Higher Education
Columbia is not the only university facing pressure. The Trump administration has:
Launched investigations into 52 universities over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
Cut $175 million in federal funding from the University of Pennsylvania over its policies regarding transgender athletes
Warned that other institutions could face similar funding suspensions if they fail to comply with federal demands
Critics see these actions as a broader effort to reshape higher education policies in line with the Trump administration’s political priorities.
Free Speech Advocates Warn of Chilling Effect
The decision by Columbia to comply with federal demands has alarmed civil liberties and free speech groups.
“Columbia’s capitulation endangers academic freedom and campus expression nationwide,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) echoed this sentiment. Tyler Coward, FIRE’s lead counsel for government affairs, stated:
“If Columbia—with all its resources and influence—can’t stand up to government demands that threaten free speech, what are other colleges to do?”
