Trump Vows to Leverage Federal Money to Fight Antisemitism, Starting at Columbia University
Columbia University First Target in Effort to Cut Federal Funding to Colleges Accused of Tolerating Antisemitism
Federal agencies are considering orders to stop work on $51 million in contracts with Columbia University, a move that comes as part of President Donald Trump’s campaign to cut federal money to colleges accused of tolerating antisemitism. The review of Columbia’s federal grants and contracts will evaluate whether the school is violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which forbids discrimination based on race or national origin.
Trump’s Threat to Cut Funding
Trump took to social media to announce the move, stating that federal funding will be stopped for any school or college that allows “illegal protests.” He also warned that agitators will be imprisoned or deported back to their country of origin, and American students will be expelled.
Education Secretary’s Statement
Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed the move, stating that Columbia appears to have failed in its duty to protect Jewish students from discrimination, raising “very serious questions about the institution’s fitness to continue doing business with the United States government.”
Columbia’s Response
Columbia University has responded to the move, stating that it will work with the administration to fight antisemitism. “We are resolute that calling for, promoting, or glorifying violence or terror has no place at our university,” the school said in a statement.
Campus Antisemitism and Pro-Palestinian Protests
The move comes as part of a larger effort to address campus antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests that have swept across U.S. campuses in recent years. Trump has vowed to cut federal money to colleges that fail to stop antisemitism and to deport foreign students who were at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. campuses.
Other Colleges Under Investigation
Columbia is one of five colleges that came under new federal antisemitism investigations after Trump’s order, and it’s one of 10 being visited by a task force in response to allegations that the colleges have failed to protect Jewish students. Other colleges under investigation include the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Minnesota; Northwestern University; and Portland State University.
Conclusion
The move by the Trump administration to cut federal funding to Columbia University is a clear indication of its commitment to addressing campus antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests. While some have criticized the move as an overreach, others see it as a necessary step to protect Jewish students and ensure that colleges and universities are held accountable for their role in promoting or tolerating antisemitism.
FAQs
* What is the reason for the cut in federal funding to Columbia University?
The cut in federal funding is due to the university’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination and its failure to address pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
* What is the purpose of the review of Columbia’s federal grants and contracts?
The review is to evaluate whether Columbia is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which forbids discrimination based on race or national origin.
* What is the Trump administration’s stance on campus antisemitism?
The Trump administration has vowed to cut federal money to colleges that fail to stop antisemitism and to deport foreign students who were at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. campuses.
