Columbia University has stated that it is “fully committed to combatting antisemitism” following an announcement by three federal agencies that they will review the university’s contracts and grants. This review comes in response to Columbia’s “apparent failure” to protect Jewish students during on-campus protests against Israel. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Education (DoE), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will conduct the review, as reported on Monday.
Columbia University has responded to the announcement, expressing its intention to review the communication and its eagerness to collaborate with the federal administration to combat antisemitism. The university stated, “Columbia is fully committed to combatting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and we are resolute that calling for, promoting, or glorifying violence or terror has no place at our University. We look forward to ongoing work with the new federal administration to fight antisemitism, and we will continue to make all efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff.”
This development follows the Senate’s confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, who shares the president’s goal of closing the DoE. McMahon has also emphasized her focus on addressing campus antisemitism and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a statement, McMahon said, “Americans have watched in horror for more than a year now, as Jewish students have been assaulted and harassed on elite university campuses. Unlawful encampments and demonstrations have completely paralyzed day-to-day campus operations, depriving Jewish students of learning opportunities to which they are entitled.”
McMahon stressed that educational institutions have a responsibility to protect all students from discrimination, especially those receiving federal funding. She commented, “Columbia’s apparent failure to uphold their end of this basic agreement raises very serious questions about the institution’s fitness to continue doing business with the United States government.”
The GSA will facilitate the review of federal funding allocated to Columbia, including grants and contracts across the federal government. Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner and Task Force Member Josh Gruenbaum stated, “GSA remains committed to upholding federal acquisition standards and ensuring that government contracts reflect our nation’s values, including the fight against anti-Semitism. With this partnership, we’ll be working across the government to end the culture of anti-Semitism in our institutions of higher education—putting all institutions on notice that it will not be tolerated per President Trump’s Executive Order.”
The controversy intensified after Columbia students occupied a building at Barnard College last week to protest the expulsion of two students who had disrupted an Israeli history class by distributing antisemitic flyers targeting Jewish students. During the protest, security guards were allegedly assaulted, resulting in one being hospitalized and over $30,000 in damages to the school.
As the situation unfolds, Columbia University faces increased scrutiny over its handling of antisemitism on campus, with federal agencies and the Trump administration taking a firm stance against such incidents.
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