NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that Columbia University is on the right path towards regaining federal funding after the prestigious institution in New York City agreed to implement several policy changes mandated by the Trump administration. This discussion was highlighted during McMahon's appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday.
During the interview, McMahon emphasized that she had productive discussions with Columbia's interim president, Katrina Armstrong. McMahon remarked that Armstrong recognized her responsibility to ensure the safety of students on campus and to address any forms of discrimination. Furthermore, McMahon noted that Armstrong is committed to tackling systemic issues related to antisemitism present on the campus.
In a significant move on Friday, Armstrong announced that Columbia would place its Middle East studies department under new supervision, revise its rules regarding protests and student discipline, and adopt a new definition of antisemitism. Additionally, the university plans to enhance "intellectual diversity" by expanding staffing for its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies, as outlined in a document posted on the university's website.
This decision comes after the Trump administration had previously pulled $400 million in research grants and other forms of funding earlier this month due to concerns over how Columbia managed protests against Israel's military operations in Gaza. To consider restoring those funds in the future, federal officials demanded nine distinct changes to the university's academic and security policies.
Armstrong's compliance with the administration’s demands has sparked backlash from some faculty members and free speech advocacy groups, who criticized the university for yielding to what they perceive as President Trump's unprecedented interference in academic freedom.
When asked whether the university's recent actions were sufficient to secure its funding, McMahon responded positively, stating that Columbia is "on the right track" towards final negotiations that would enable the unfreezing of previously allocated funds.
The Trump administration's aggressive stance on Columbia University has not only created a tumultuous atmosphere on campus but has also raised concerns about the potential for similar actions at other colleges across the nation. The heightened scrutiny follows a significant pro-Palestinian protest movement that began on the campus with a tent encampment last spring.
In a related incident, federal immigration officials arrested Mahmoud Khalil, an activist who played a key role as a spokesperson and negotiator during last year's pro-Palestinian demonstrations, on March 8. Khalil, who is a legal permanent resident, is currently fighting against his detention and impending deportation in court.
