Columbia University's $220 Million Settlement Amid Federal Pressure: A Controversial Move

Columbia University settled with the U.S. government, agreeing to pay over $220 million to address federal probes. The decision aimed to protect academic funding amidst accusations of antisemitism and mishandling of campus protests. Critics view the settlement as coercion, likening it to extortion under the Trump administration.

Columbia University has agreed to pay over $220 million to the U.S. government in a settlement aimed at resolving federal investigations, according to the university's acting president, Claire Shipman. The agreement intends to restore crucial federal funding amid accusations of antisemitism linked to last year's pro-Palestinian protests.

Columbia's acting president emphasized that the settlement was not a capitulation but a necessary measure to safeguard vital funding for research and the visa status of international students. The agreement also includes a $21 million fund to settle alleged civil rights violations against Jewish employees.

The Trump administration criticized Columbia's handling of antisemitism and harassment issues, withholding $400 million in federal funding. Education Secretary Linda McMahon outlined reforms Columbia must implement, while critics debate the settlement's implication on academic independence and antisemitism definitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)