Introduction to the Crisis at Columbia University

Columbia University said Tuesday that it will be laying off nearly 180 staffers in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel $400 million in funding over the Manhattan college’s handling of student protests against the war in Gaza.

Those receiving non-renewal or termination notices Tuesday represent about 20% of the employees funded in some manner by the terminated federal grants, the university said in a statement Tuesday.

Background to the Funding Cancellation

“We have had to make deliberate, considered decisions about the allocation of our financial resources,” the university said. “Those decisions also impact our greatest resource, our people. We understand this news will be hard.”
Officials are working with the Trump administration in the hopes of getting the funding restored, they said, but the university will still pull back spending because of uncertainty and strain on its budget.

Impact on University Operations

Officials said the university will be scaling back research, with some departments winding down activities and others maintaining some level of research while pursuing alternate funding.
In March, the Trump administration pulled the funding over what it described as the Ivy League school’s failure to squelch antisemitism on campus during the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023.

Changes Implemented by Columbia University

Within weeks, Columbia capitulated to a series of demands laid out by the Republican administration as a starting point for restoring the funding.
Among the requirements was overhauling the university’s student disciplinary process, banning campus protesters from wearing masks, barring demonstrations from academic buildings, adopting a new definition of antisemitism and putting the Middle Eastern studies program under the supervision of a vice provost who would have a say over curriculum and hiring.

Response from the Trump Administration

After Columbia announced the changes, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the university was “ on the right track,” but declined to say when or if Columbia’s funding would be restored. Spokespersons for the federal education department didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.
Columbia was at the forefront of U.S. campus protests over the war last spring. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment and seized a campus building in April, leading to dozens of arrests and inspiring a wave of similar protests nationally.

Trump’s Stance on Antisemitism

Trump, when he retook the White House in January, moved swiftly to cut federal money to colleges and universities he viewed as too tolerant of antisemitism.

Conclusion

The decision by Columbia University to lay off nearly 180 staff members due to the cancellation of $400 million in funding by the Trump administration marks a significant turning point in the debate over antisemitism on college campuses. As the university navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen whether the funding will be restored and what long-term impact this will have on the academic community.

FAQs

• Q: Why did the Trump administration cancel funding to Columbia University?
  A: The Trump administration canceled $400 million in funding due to concerns over the university’s handling of antisemitism on campus during the Israel-Hamas war.
• Q: How many staff members are being laid off by Columbia University?
  A: Nearly 180 staff members are being laid off, representing about 20% of the employees funded by the terminated federal grants.
• Q: What changes did Columbia University implement in response to the Trump administration’s demands?
  A: Columbia overhauled its student disciplinary process, banned campus protesters from wearing masks, barred demonstrations from academic buildings, adopted a new definition of antisemitism, and put the Middle Eastern studies program under the supervision of a vice provost.
• Q: Will the funding be restored to Columbia University?
  A: It is unclear at this time if or when the funding will be restored, as the Trump administration has not made a definitive statement on the matter.
  Originally Published: May 6, 2025 at 4:10 PM EDT