The Trump administration has threatened Columbia University with severe funding cuts unless it makes extensive changes to its international studies department and campus policies related to antisemitism and admissions. This ultimatum includes demands for an overhaul of the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department and other policies affecting student discipline and safety. The university is currently reviewing the ultimatum, with widespread backlash from faculty and advocacy groups.

The Trump administration has issued a serious ultimatum to Columbia University, threatening to cut off federal funding unless the institution overhauls its international studies department and adopts extensive changes to its campus policies. The letter, dispatched on Thursday, demands that the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department be placed under what the administration describes as “academic receivership” for at least five years, along with several other stipulations designed to combat alleged antisemitism and improve campus safety and admissions processes.

Among the conditions specified in the ultimatum are a prohibition of masks that obscure identity or intimidate, a newly defined standard for antisemitism, an overhaul of the student disciplinary process, and a comprehensive reform of undergraduate and graduate admissions practices. The administration described these stipulations as necessary preconditions to engage in discussions concerning the university’s financial ties with the federal government.

Furthermore, the Trump administration recently announced a withdrawal of $400 million in federal funding from Columbia due to accusations of insufficient action against antisemitism on campus, which has affected research at the university’s medical center. Concurrently, immigration officials are escalating actions against students, indicated by the arrest of a prominent Palestinian activist linked to campus protests, raising concerns about the atmosphere of fear among students.

Columbia University officials have stated that they are evaluating the letter’s content and reiterated their commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. The reaction from faculty and advocacy groups has been overwhelmingly negative, highlighting fears about governmental overreach into academic autonomy. “If the federal government can show up and demand a university department be shut down or restructured, then we don’t have universities in this country,” remarked Joseph Howley, a professor at Columbia.

The developments surrounding Columbia University highlight significant tensions between federal authorities and academic institutions, particularly regarding issues of discrimination and academic freedom. The Trump administration’s ultimatum presents grave implications for the university’s governance and the autonomy of higher education. As Columbia navigates these demands, the broader academic community is cautioned about potential repercussions on free speech and institutional integrity.

Original Source: apnews.com

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