The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) have acknowledged Columbia University's steps towards meeting the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism's preconditions for resuming federal funding. This comes after Columbia received a letter from the task force on March 13, detailing nine conditions required to reinstate previously canceled grants and contracts.
“Columbia is demonstrating appropriate cooperation with the Trump Administration’s requirements, and we look forward to a lasting resolution,” stated Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. She mentioned ongoing discussions with Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong regarding reforms on campus.
Columbia University has committed to several measures, including revising admissions procedures, enforcing protest restrictions in academic buildings, implementing an anti-masking policy, adhering to student visa laws, reviewing regional studies programs focused on the Middle East and Israel, and ensuring existing disciplinary policies are enforced. Additionally, the university plans to expand security personnel capabilities and launch programming at its Tel Aviv Center by Q2 2025.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed support for these actions: “Instead of inspiring universal condemnation, the October 7 holocaust triggered a global wave of anti-Semitism. Ivy league campuses became a greenhouse for poison," he said. "President Trump has ordered his cabinet to use every constitutional tool to uproot this divisive weed."
Josh Gruenbaum from the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) and member of the Task Force emphasized that while Columbia's initial actions are promising, continued efforts are necessary: “Columbia’s early steps are a positive sign... Other universities that are being investigated by the Task Force should expect the same level of scrutiny.”
The review follows investigations into potential Title VI Civil Rights Act violations at Columbia University which led to $400 million in federal funds being withdrawn due to allegations of harassment against Jewish students.
For further details about this initiative, visit information on the Formation of Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.
