Columbia University announced new policies following the Trump administration’s decision to revoke $400 million in federal funding.
Stricter Regulations
The university introduced stricter rules on protests, disciplinary actions, and a review of Middle East studies.
Trump’s administration demanded the university enforce disciplinary measures, create protest regulations, and increase law enforcement authority on campus.
The funding cut followed Trump’s executive order to combat antisemitism amid ongoing Israel-Hamas war-related campus protests.
Columbia became the center of nationwide demonstrations, leading to arrests and disruptions throughout the last academic year.
Enhanced Security
Columbia will hire 36 additional campus police officers with authority to remove or arrest protesters.
Protesters must show university IDs when asked and are banned from wearing face coverings to conceal their identities.
Demonstrations inside and directly outside academic buildings are now prohibited under the new rules.
Campus police will collaborate with the NYPD to prevent disruptions to academic activities.
The office of the provost will have more power to discipline students, though the university president will oversee appeals.
Arrests and Free Speech
Immigration officers arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and Palestinian activist, for alleged activities linked to Hamas.
Khalil’s detention sparked concerns about free speech, with students fearing repercussions for expressing political views.
He has not been charged with a crime, but his arrest intensified campus debates on academic freedom.
Trump signed an executive order requiring universities to monitor international students and revoke visas over antisemitism concerns.
New policies allow the university to take strict action against student groups violating its regulations.
Disciplinary Actions
Columbia adopted an antisemitism definition from its task force, classifying antisemitism as discrimination or violence against Jews, including Israelis.
A new university judicial board, overseen by the provost, will determine student discipline.
Columbia cited recent expulsions, suspensions, and degree revocations for students who occupied Hamilton Hall in April 2024.
A student coalition had demanded divestment from financial ties to Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza.
After missing the divestment deadline, protesters barricaded Hamilton Hall, leading to police intervention and over 110 arrests.
Curriculum and Admissions
A senior vice provost will oversee a university-wide review of regional studies, starting with Middle East courses.
The university committed to increasing intellectual diversity among faculty and maintaining institutional neutrality.
Admissions policies will also be reviewed, as Jewish and Black student enrollment has declined.
The interim president stated Columbia is working to address concerns over discrimination, harassment, and antisemitism.
The changes were detailed in a document provided to the Trump administration.
Free Speech Debate
The New York Civil Liberties Union called the funding cut unconstitutional, accusing the government of censoring student activism.
They argued the move pressured universities to suppress criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights.
Columbia’s response reflects efforts to comply with federal demands while maintaining campus free speech protections.
The funding decision set a precedent, with other universities facing similar scrutiny over antisemitism policies.
Debates continue over the balance between academic freedom and government intervention on controversial campus issues.
