Columbia University Faces Federal Funding Cuts Amid Antisemitism Allegations

Columbia University's interim president, Katrina Armstrong, has responded to the cancellation of $400 million in federal government grants and contracts following allegations of antisemitism on campus. In a message to alumni, Armstrong assured the university community that the institution is committed to addressing the concerns raised by the Trump administration and will take significant steps to combat antisemitism.

The U.S. government cited incidents of antisemitic harassment at and near Columbia's New York City campus as the reason for the funding cut. These events come in the wake of increased tensions and protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war. Columbia has been a center for pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel student protests, which some believe have contributed to a hostile environment for Jewish students.

Armstrong stated that while the loss of federal funds will undoubtedly impact the university, including critical research and student services, Columbia remains dedicated to addressing the issue of antisemitism. The cancellation of the $400 million is part of a broader $5 billion in government grants allocated to the university, which is expected to face significant financial repercussions as a result of the cuts.

The university, which relies on federal funding for around $1.3 billion of its $6.6 billion operating revenue, is bracing for the impact these cancellations will have on its operations. While some Jewish students and staff have participated in the protests, they argue that their criticism of Israel should not be equated with antisemitism. The university's handling of the protests has faced backlash from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups, leading to the resignation of former President Minouche Shafik in 2023.

Civil rights organizations have criticized the federal government’s actions, calling them unconstitutional and an infringement on protected free speech. Legal challenges are anticipated as the dispute continues to unfold.