U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has issued a statement regarding the Trump Administration's agreement with Columbia University. The deal is described as a significant change in holding institutions accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment.
“The Trump Administration's deal with Columbia University is a seismic shift in our nation’s fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment," McMahon stated. She highlighted concerns about anti-western teachings and leftist groupthink on campuses, which she believes have led to violent antisemitism.
The agreement includes Columbia University paying $200 million, disciplining students for severe disruptions, making changes to their Faculty Senate, increasing viewpoint diversity in Middle Eastern studies programs, eliminating race preferences in hiring and admissions, and ending DEI programs based on race.
McMahon expressed optimism that these reforms will serve as a model for other elite universities. “Columbia’s reforms are a roadmap for elite universities that wish to regain the confidence of the American public by renewing their commitment to truth-seeking, merit, and civil debate," she said.
She thanked President Trump, the federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, and those at Columbia involved in the negotiations. “A sincere thank you to President Trump, members of the federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, and those at Columbia who negotiated over the last several months and made this deal a reality,” McMahon concluded.
