Columbia University has reached a landmark $221 million settlement with the Trump administration, resolving multiple federal investigations into allegations of antisemitism and workplace discrimination. The agreement includes a $200 million fine paid to the federal government over three years, plus an additional $21 million to settle a separate Equal Employment Opportunity Commission probe into religious harassment claims. Notably, Columbia did not admit fault or liability in the settlement, maintaining that it did not violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. However, the university acknowledged „painful, unacceptable incidents” affecting Jewish students and faculty and committed to implementing reforms aimed at combating antisemitism on campus.
As part of the settlement, Columbia has agreed to several measures designed to address antisemitism and improve campus climate. These include appointing new faculty with joint positions in Jewish studies and other disciplines, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in its policies, and establishing dedicated coordinators to handle antisemitism allegations. The university also pledged to provide additional training on antisemitism and reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. In exchange, the federal government will restore Columbia’s access to approximately $1.3 billion in frozen research grants and contracts, ensuring the continuity of critical academic and research programs across disciplines.
The settlement has sparked debate over academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, emphasized that the agreement preserves the university’s independence, asserting that the federal government will not dictate curriculum, hiring, or admissions decisions. However, critics, including the American Association of University Professors, argue that the settlement represents a significant infringement on free speech and academic freedom. Columbia also agreed to comply with antidiscrimination laws by avoiding the use of race, color, sex, or national origin in hiring and admissions decisions, and to discontinue any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that promote unlawful race-based outcomes or quotas. An independent resolution monitor will oversee compliance, with arbitration procedures in place to handle disputes.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/25/nx-s1-5479240/columbia-trump-administration-settlement-details.