Columbia University discipline policies face scrutiny as the Trump administration demands major revisions before restoring $400M funding. The money was canceled due to concerns over the university’s handling of pro-Palestinian protests and its response to antisemitism.
Federal Government’s Demands
In a letter sent Thursday, officials from the General Services Administration, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services outlined the steps Columbia must take, including:
Defining Antisemitism: A formal definition must be adopted and enforced.
Mask Ban: Prohibiting the use of face coverings to intimidate people or hide one’s identity.
- Academic Oversight: Putting the departments of African Studies, South Asia, and the Middle East under academic receivership for a period of five years.
- Disciplinary measures include suspending pro-Palestinian demonstrators for a number of years or immediately expelling them.
- Restructuring Governance: All disciplinary procedures must be consolidated under the Office of the President, and the University Judicial Board must be disbanded.
- Admissions Reforms: Modifications to foreign recruiting and undergraduate and graduate admissions must comply with federal law.
- Strengthening Campus Security: University law enforcement needs to be strengthened.
The administration has given Columbia a deadline of March 20 to respond before formal negotiations can resume.
University’s Response and Student Backlash
A Columbia University spokesperson stated the institution is reviewing the letter and remains committed to academic excellence and student support. However, faculty and student groups have condemned the administration’s demands, calling them an attack on academic freedom and student activism.
Jameel Jaffer, director of Columbia’s Knight First Amendment Institute, criticized the letter on social media, summarizing its intent as: “We’ll destroy Columbia unless you destroy it first.”
Punishments for Student Protesters
Columbia University discipline policies led to actions against students involved in last year’s Hamilton Hall occupation during protests. The university stated that punishments include:
- Multi-year suspensions
- Temporary degree revocations
- Expulsions
Columbia expelled Grant Miner, a Ph.D. student and president of the student workers union, just before contract negotiations began.
What’s Next for Columbia?
The university faces mounting pressure as it balances federal funding concerns, student activism, and academic policies. With the March 20 deadline approaching, its response could have long-term implications for campus policies and free speech rights.
Source: USA Today
