The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) have announced a comprehensive review of Columbia University's federal contracts and grants. This action is in response to ongoing investigations into potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Columbia University faces scrutiny due to its perceived inaction against harassment targeting Jewish students on campus. The Federal Government’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is considering issuing Stop Work Orders for $51.4 million in contracts between Columbia University and the Federal Government. Additionally, a thorough examination of over $5 billion in federal grant commitments to Columbia will be conducted to ensure compliance with federal regulations, including civil rights obligations.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon commented, "Americans have watched in horror for more than a year now, as Jewish students have been assaulted and harassed on elite university campuses—repeatedly overrun by anti-Semitic students and agitators." She emphasized that institutions receiving federal funds must protect all students from discrimination, questioning Columbia's ability to maintain this agreement.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., stated, “Anti-Semitism – like racism – is a spiritual and moral malady that sickens societies and kills people with lethalities comparable to history’s most deadly plagues.” He criticized recent trends at universities for fostering environments conducive to such discrimination.
This review marks the first significant initiative by the multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, established through President Trump’s Executive Order titled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism.”
The GSA has been tasked with facilitating this review process across government departments. FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum remarked, “GSA remains committed to upholding federal acquisition standards and ensuring that government contracts reflect our nation’s values, including the fight against anti-Semitism.”
Currently, no immediate actions regarding contracting are being implemented.
For further details, visit the announcement on the formation of the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.
